Audrey Dudek is suing the Orange County, Florida school district after claiming she was fired from her position when administrators found out she was dating a Black man.
According to the former Edgewater High School math teacher, she was treated differently by the school's principals "because she closely associated with non-whites." School officials were "shocked and offended" to learn her boyfriend (now-husband) Stacey was Black. They were also alarmed to find out her classroom was called "Club Audrey" because of the "Black music" she would play, which she believes led to her dismissal from the school in 2013.
"This isn't about sending a message. This is about getting justice for a teacher that was terminated unlawfully," said Suzanne Tzuanos, Dudek's attorney. Officials from Edgewater claim Audrey was let go due to budget cuts, but Tzuanos says that is far from the case. "The budget didn't go down in that period of time. Ms. Dudek is a math teacher. There's a critical need for math teachers at Orange County Public Schools, so the district's explanation does not hold water."
Dudek - who claims she was also subject to a "racially charged skit performed by white faculty members" in Black face, Afro wigs and baggy clothing - filed the lawsuit last week and is suing for unspecified damages for pain, suffering and loss of dignity.
Source: WESH
