Florida school principal suspended over Fetty Wap lyrics
A Florida headteacher has been suspended over Fetty Wap lyrics in a school yearbook.
On May 20th, Principal Katie O’Connell was put on administrative leave over claims of “inappropriate conduct.”
According to News4JAX, the rap lyrics were printed on the first page of Trout Creek Academy’s 2025/2026 yearbook under O’Connell’s name.
The lyrics, taken from Fetty’s hit 2015 song ‘Trap Queen’, were, “Everybody hatin’, we just call them fans though.”
A parent complained to St Johns County Superintendent Dr Brennan Asplen, writing, “Dear Superintendent, I am writing as a concerned parent regarding a quote included in the K-8 school yearbook by Principal Mrs O’Connell that stated: ‘Everybody hating, we just call them fans though.'”
The letter continued, “While some may view it as humorous, many parents feel this was inappropriate and unprofessional coming from a school leader responsible for setting the tone and example for young adults.”
Trout Creek Academy is located in St Augustine, Florida. The yearbook teacher defended O’Connell, claiming that the principal was “not aware that the quote was going to be used.”
“Upon proofreading, a quote was not on the final proof of the book,” they said. “Miss O’Connell gave us recommendations for the final draft of the book. I can only assume the students noticed there was no quote and added what they thought was best.”
They added, “Ms O’Connell wasn’t aware that quote was used until the yearbooks arrived yesterday. I can assure you that Ms O’Connell had no intent whatsoever of causing issues to upset her students and the community.”
In the meantime, Dr Patrick Carmichael, a former science teacher and dean of students, will serve as the interim principal.