St. Louis, Missouri – Following the circulation of a disturbing video depicting a Black female student attacking a white female student off school premises, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey attributed the incident to the school district’s emphasis on “race-based policies.” Reports indicated that 16-year-old Kaylee Gain sustained severe injuries, including a skull fracture and brain bleeding, during the altercation on March 8 near Hazelwood East High School in St. Louis County.
The video captured the Black female student repeatedly striking Gain’s head against concrete, sparking outrage from various government officials and members of the community who are advocating for the assailant to face charges as an adult. St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell expressed his shock and distress over the incident, stating that while their office lacks jurisdiction due to the involvement of juveniles, they hope for the victim’s full recovery.
In a letter addressed to the school district, Bailey criticized the absence of law enforcement officers at the scene of the assault, attributing it to Hazelwood’s alleged prioritization of race-based policies over student safety. Bailey highlighted the discrepancy in the date and time of the assault in his correspondence, emphasizing his concerns about the district’s approach to addressing discrimination and violence.
Further complicating the situation, conflicting reports emerged regarding the involvement of race as a motivating factor in the assault, with the school district and police refraining from confirming the racial identities of the students involved. Tracy Panus, a spokesperson for the St. Louis County Police Department, clarified that there are no specific protocols for school resource officers off school premises, underlining the challenges faced in ensuring student safety beyond campus boundaries.
Bailey’s scrutiny extended beyond this particular incident, accusing the school district of violating Missouri’s Human Rights Act by implementing a “Statement of Solidarity” that allegedly differentiated treatment based on race. The attorney general underscored the importance of upholding anti-discrimination laws and protecting individuals’ right to access public accommodations without facing bias or prejudice.
In recent months, Bailey has taken legal action against several school districts in the St. Louis area, including a lawsuit against the Wentzville School District for alleged violations of public record laws. These developments underscore broader tensions surrounding race, safety, and accountability within educational institutions, prompting a reexamination of policies and practices aimed at fostering inclusivity and equity.