St. Louis, Missouri – Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has initiated an investigation into the Hazelwood School District in connection to a violent incident involving a St. Louis teen. The teenager was captured in a viral video being physically assaulted by another student. Bailey’s inquiry focuses on the school district’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and their impact on safety protocols following the assault.
In an exclusive statement to Fox News Digital, Bailey expressed concern over the role of the school district’s DEI initiatives in the failure to ensure student safety in light of the brutal attack. He emphasized the need for Hazelwood to address how these programs may have contributed to the incident.
Bailey penned a letter to Hazelwood School District Superintendent Dr. Nettie Collins-Hart, criticizing the district for allegedly prioritizing political narratives over student safety. He highlighted the adoption of a “Statement of Solidarity” in 2020 as a catalyst for policies that led to differential treatment of students based on race.
The attorney general pointed out that in the 2021 school year, Hazelwood made the decision to remove uniformed police officers from its premises. This move came after unsuccessful attempts to subject school resource officers to the district’s DEI programming. Bailey noted the absence of any officers during the assault on the victim, perpetuating concerns about compromised student safety.
Bailey’s investigation aims to determine if the Hazelwood School District violated Missouri’s Human Rights Act, which guarantees residents freedom from discrimination and ensures full access to public spaces. He demanded access to records related to bullying, harassment, student violence, law enforcement removal, and anti-discrimination policies as part of the inquiry.
Furthermore, Bailey underscored the need for accountability, urging the school district to acknowledge its role in the incident. He called for the responsible party in the assault to face appropriate charges, potentially including murder if the offense reaches that level.
Fox News Digital sought responses from Hazelwood East High School and the school district regarding the attorney general’s probe but has not received any feedback yet. The victim, identified as Kaylee, sustained severe injuries from the attack, including a fractured skull leading to brain injuries and unconsciousness.
As the investigation unfolds, Bailey remains steadfast in his pursuit of justice and accountability, advocating for transparency and corrective measures within the Hazelwood School District.