St. Louis, Missouri – Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has launched an investigation into the Hazelwood School District following a violent attack on a St. Louis teen. The incident, captured in a viral video, showed a student brutally assaulting another student by bashing her head into the pavement. Bailey expressed concerns about the school district’s DEI programs and their impact on safety failures related to the attack.
Bailey’s office emphasized the need for transparency from Hazelwood, urging the district to address the role of radical programs in compromising student safety. In a letter to the Superintendent, Dr. Nettie Collins-Hart, Bailey criticized the district for prioritizing political narratives over student safety and violating Missouri law.
The investigation stems from actions taken by the HSD Board of Education in 2020, including the adoption of a “Statement of Solidarity” that led to discriminatory practices based on race. Bailey highlighted the removal of uniformed police officers from Hazelwood schools in 2021 as a concerning decision that may have contributed to the lack of security during the violent incident.
Concerns about the absence of school resource officers (SROs) during the attack prompted Bailey to question the district’s commitment to student safety. The investigation will focus on determining whether the school district violated Missouri’s Human Rights Act by failing to provide a safe environment for students free from discrimination.
Bailey demanded that the school district provide records related to bullying, anti-bullying efforts, student violence, and their decision to exclude law enforcement from schools. The attorney general stressed the importance of holding the district accountable for their actions and ensuring justice for the victim, who remains in critical condition.
The case has sparked discussions about the intersection of racial ideologies, safety protocols, and accountability in educational institutions. Public scrutiny has intensified as stakeholders call for transparency, accountability, and concrete measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Balancing the promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion with ensuring the safety of all students remains a significant challenge for schools across the country.
As the investigation unfolds, the Hazelwood School District faces mounting pressure to address systemic issues and prioritize student safety above political agendas. The outcome of the investigation will likely have far-reaching implications for school districts grappling with similar challenges nationwide.