ST. LOUIS, MO – A disturbing video capturing a violent altercation between a Black female student and a white female student has sparked outrage and debate in Missouri. The incident, which took place off school property near Hazelwood East High School, left 16-year-old Kaylee Gain with severe injuries including a skull fracture and brain bleeding. The graphic footage showed the Black student repeatedly beating the victim’s head against the concrete, prompting calls for the assailant to be charged as an adult.
Government officials, including Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, have criticized the school district’s handling of the situation, pointing to what they describe as “race-based policies” that prioritize ideology over student safety. Bailey’s letter to the school district highlighted concerns about the absence of law enforcement officers, specifically school resource officers, during the assault. He accused the district of failing to comply with Missouri law and enforcing policies that discriminate against students based on race.
Despite initial reports suggesting a racial motive behind the attack, both the school district and local police have refrained from confirming the students’ races or the role of race in the incident. The St. Louis County Police Department clarified that there are no specific requirements for school resource officers to be present after school hours or off-campus. Tracy Panus, the department’s public information officer, emphasized the extra patrols provided during school dismissals and arrivals.
Bailey’s criticism extended beyond this specific incident, as he raised broader concerns about the district’s adoption of a “Statement of Solidarity” that denounces racism, discrimination, and violence. The attorney general argued that such policies create divisions among students based on race and violate the Missouri Human Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination in public accommodations. Bailey’s letter referenced similar actions taken against other school districts in the region, including a lawsuit filed against the Wentzville School District for alleged violations of state laws.
Hazelwood’s “Statement of Solidarity” referenced the tragic deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Rayshard Brooks, asserting a collective responsibility to combat racism. The policy emphasized the need for unity in addressing racial injustices, framing the issue as an American concern rather than a solely Black one. The ongoing debate surrounding this incident reflects broader societal tensions and disagreements over how to address racial disparities and ensure student safety in educational settings.