Hopkins Students Rally To Support Injured Trans Student After Attack
The LGBTQ+ community and their allies rallied at Hopkins High School on Wednesday, June 5 after a transgender student was assaulted and hospitalized.
Police are investigating the alleged assault, which occurred on Thursday, May 30, as a possible hate crime.
The sense of outrage at the rally was palpable.
“This student did not deserve this and I am so sorry to her that her community and the administration did not protect her,” said Rep. Leigh Finke (DFL-St. Paul), the first openly transgender lawmaker elected to the Minnesota Legislature.
Students told CCX News that some of their classmates are feeling afraid and confused.
“Our community has been attacked, has been hurt, and it’s important for us as members of that community and leaders in the community to be here to support them,” said Elliott Ward, a student at Hopkins High School.
Supporters of the LGBTQ+ community clap at a rally outside Hopkins High School on Wednesday, June 5. A transgender student was assaulted at the school on May 30.
Victim’s Brother Gives Account of Assault at Rally
The victim’s brother says his transgender sister — a 17-year-old junior at the school — was called a slur as she left a Hopkins High School bathroom last Thursday.
According to her brother, she responded to the slur, then was “sucker-punched.”
“She had two fractures in her, the left side of her jaw,” said Wilder, the victim’s brother. “She had some damage to her teeth, the extent of which I’m not completely clear on.”
Wilder said his parents took her to a hospital, where she received surgery. She’s currently unable to eat solid food.
“The school called my father, her father, and he came and picked her up and took her to a dentist, and then went to a hospital, and then a different hospital,” Wilder said. “An ambulance was not called.”
He also said he had not heard from the district regarding the consequences for the assailant.
“We don’t know anything about the student’s suspension or expulsion,” he said. “That’s up to the high school’s discretion, but we don’t know anything about it.”
District and Police Statements
The Minnetonka Police Department and Hopkins Public Schools released short statements related to the incident.
Following is the school district’s statement:
“The Hopkins High School administration team and the Minnetonka Police Department are investigating an act of violence that occurred last Thursday and involved a student who identifies as part of the LGBTQ+ community. We are unable to comment until the investigation is complete.
Hopkins Public Schools is an inclusive community that values diversity and inclusion. We will address any issues that compromise the safety and inclusivity of our school environment. We support and stand by any group that is marginalized, including our LGBTQ+ scholars and staff.”
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Minnetonka Police Department issued the following statement:
“Minnetonka police are investigating an alleged assault at Hopkins High School as a possible hate crime. The assault is reported to have injured a student at the school last Thursday, May 30. Details remain limited as the case was reported to police after school had ended for the day. The case remains active and further information is not yet available.”
Calls for Change
At the rally, there were steady calls for change, as well as support for the victim and LGBTQ+ community as a whole.
“When something so horrific happens to one of our members, we show up and support them and make sure that justice is carried through,” said Myrtle Lemon-Todd, a volunteer with Queer Equity Institute.
Hopkins High School
