Hopkins school district investigates attack on transgender student

MINNETONKA, Minn. — At a school board meeting Tuesday evening, Hopkins Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed acknowledged the harm caused by an alleged assault last week against a transgender student and admitted that the district had work to do.

“Our students need to feel safe,” Mhiripiri-Reed said. “What can be improved?”

The student, who identifies as non-binary, Cobalt Sovereign, told KARE 11 the incident began in a school bathroom after another student looked over the stall and insulted several times. Things escalated afterward and Cobalt said she was attacked, suffering a broken jaw and teeth.

“I had a few nightmares after the events, but nothing that kept me up at night,” Sovereign said in an interview last week.

Since then, the Hopkins Black Student Alliance has published two social media posts, writing in part: “Today we see one side of the story being told, but there are reports of racial slurs being used in this incident, which takes the situation to another level. Presenting only one account of this history perpetuates a dangerous narrative for our Black scholars. As a collective of Black scholars working to address injustices in our school, we must ensure we include all sides of history.

Minnetonka police said they are reviewing video of the incident and all allegations are part of the investigation, including whether a hate crime was committed.

“We pride ourselves on creating conditions of belonging to allow our students to show up as themselves and meet each other and address the holistic safety of our students,” Mhiripiri-Reed said.

While the principal said every student should feel safe, she also highlighted several steps already taken to ensure this, including: gender inclusion and anti-racism policies and bi-weekly school team meetings. security. She also addressed engagement in restorative disciplinary practices.

“This is not to say that it is a lack of discipline or the need to hold students accountable,” Dr Mhiripiri-Reed said. “I'm actually saddened that this year at our high school we suspended 102 students. Some people think we don't suspend children. We suspend too much and we need to figure out how to work differently and thoughtfully to instill restorative practices so we don't disproportionately impact Black and Brown students.

Several community members spoke at the school board's regular meeting during public comment that didn't begin until around 10 p.m. The meeting then proceeded into private, executive session.

Minnetonka police said once their investigation is complete, they will turn it over to the county attorney. While the Black Student Alliance added in its statement that it would, “Continue to support all students from marginalized groups and create a positive environment for our Black student body. »

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