ST. LOUIS, Missouri – An investigation has been launched by Missouri’s Attorney General into the Hazelwood School District following a violent incident involving a student named Kaylee Gain, as reported by local police. The incident, which occurred off-campus after school hours, left Gain with severe injuries. The Attorney General has raised concerns about the district’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and their potential connection to the altercation.
Video footage of the incident circulated on social media, sparking national attention and speculation of possible racial undertones due to the involvement of two Black teenage girls from the same school. Despite these claims, police investigators found no evidence linking the attack to issues of diversity, equity, or inclusion as suggested.
The Attorney General cited the district’s past decision to remove uniformed police officers from schools following disagreements with law enforcement chiefs over diversity and inclusion training. He questioned the district’s commitment to ensuring student safety, claiming that their focus on race-based policies could be compromising security. However, the school district emphasized its dedication to fostering an inclusive environment and prioritizing the well-being of its students.
There have been conflicting statements regarding the presence of school resource officers at Hazelwood East schools, with assertions that officers have since returned to one of the schools. The Attorney General’s office has cited state laws to support the investigation but faces criticism for politicizing the case and potentially jeopardizing a fair trial for any individuals involved.
Congresswoman Cori Bush and St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell have both criticized the Attorney General’s actions, with Bush denouncing them as exploitation for political gain and risking community safety. As the investigation unfolds, questions remain about the motivations behind the probe and the implications for the Hazelwood School District and its students.