DETROIT (WWJ) - A Detroit teacher canned for her rapping side career after a parent complaint is going viral on social media -- and she plans to legally fight the school over her termination.
Detroit native Domonique Brown taught U.S. history for seven years at Taylor Preparatory High School and was named teacher of the month back in December, but when she wasn't at school, she was building her rap career as "Drippin Honey."
But a parent of one of the school's students took issue with Brown's side hustle.
According to Brown, the parent made an anonymous complaint in October 2023 shortly after she dropped a music video for one of her songs on YouTube.
"Five months later, meetings after meetings defending my involvement in the music industry, I was asked to erase all my content," Brown wrote under her latest video "Drippin 101" that was posted on March 13. "That's when I knew I have to bet on myself [because] nobody will if I don't."
Brown defended herself to school administrators, but the parent continued to make complaints which she said ultimately led to her dismissal.
The former teacher told FOX 2 that she was not given any of the complaints in writing despite her asking for them. Brown told school officials that the parent was welcome to observe her classroom and see how she conducts herself with her students, but nothing came of it.
"My outside life should not be grounds for termination when it does not interfere with my ability to fulfill my responsibilities as a teacher," Brown wrote on YouTube. "My dedication, professionalism, and passion for education have always been unwavering, regardless of any personal pursuits I may have."
The former teacher now intents to hire an attorney and file a lawsuit against the school for what she believes is discrimination.
Taylor Prep said in a prepared statement that they were aware of the situation, as well as Brown's allegations, but cannot speak on the matter due to student and employee privacy laws.
"Student well-being remains at the forefront of everything we do, and we will continue fostering a distraction-free teaching and learning environment focused on student success," the statement said.
Brown's single "Drippin' 101" has garnered tens of thousands of views on multiple social media platforms. The video features some of her former students singing and dancing after she learned of her firing.
The former teacher said over 200 parents and students have petitioned to support her and her students. Comments on YouTube also showed solidarity with Brown.
"Wish she was my teacher when I was younger," one commenter wrote while another posted, "Showing our youth that they can have a 'good' job while pursing a passion and getting fired is sad. We're our own worst enemy."
Another said, "more kids need more teachers like you. No matter what your dreams are in life and what you are doing in the moment never give up on YOUR DREAMS!"
Brown told FOX 2 that music is just "part of the culture."
"We're from Motown, this is what we do," the former teacher added. "So it's not like it's unheard of, it's the culture. When you look like me, you just understand it a little bit … better."
