The Douglas Anderson School of the Arts Principal is out, for now, while she receives diversity training. Faculty is not to contact her during that time period, but her title at the school remains principal. It’s unclear how long she’ll be away from campus.
The news follows a tumultuous week for Melanie Hammer, where she faced criticism for her and the school’s attempt to host a series of student diversity and inclusion meetings that were separated by race.
On Friday, teachers and faculty at the school were notified at an internal meeting that Hammer would receive diversity and inclusion training from the University of North Florida Center for Urban Education and Policy, at least two staff members who attended the meeting confirmed.