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New details released in Hopkins attack on transgender student

The Hopkins Black Student Alliance also alleges in new social media posts that Cobalt Sovereign used racial slurs as police continue to investigate.

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

“Our students have to feel safe,” said Mhiripiri-Reed said. “What can we do better?”

The student, who identifies as nonbinary, Cobalt Sovereign, told KARE 11 the incident started in a school bathroom after another student looked over the stall and called her a slur several times. Things escalated afterwards and Cobalt said she was attacked, suffering a broken jaw and teeth.

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

Since then, the Hopkins Black Student Alliance made two posts on social media, writing, in part, “Today we see one side of the story being told, yet there are reports of racial slurs being used within this incident elevating this to another level. With one narrative of this story being presented, this perpetuates a dangerous narrative for our Black scholars. As a collective of Black scholars working to address injustices in our school, we must make sure to include all sides of the story.”

Minnetonka Police said there is video of the incident that it’s reviewing and that all allegations are part of the investigation, including whether a hate crime was committed.

“We pride ourselves in creating conditions of belonging to allow our students to show-up as their true self and to meet and address the holistic safety of our students,” said Mhiripiri-Reed.

While the superintendent said every student should feel safe, she also pointed to several measures already taken to ensure that, including: gender inclusion and anti-racism policies and bi-weekly safety team meetings. She also addressed engaging in restorative discipline practices.

“That does not mean it’s the absence of discipline or holding students accountable,” said Dr. Mhiripiri-Reed. “I’m actually saddened that this year, at our high school, we have suspended 102 students. Some people think we’re not suspending kids. We are over-suspending and we need to figure out how to work differently and thoughtfully to infuse restorative practices so not to disproportionally impact Black and Brown students.”

Several community members spoke out at the regularly scheduled school board meeting during public comment that didn’t get underway until nearly 10 p.m. The meeting then went into private, executive session afterwards.

Minnetonka Police said once its investigation is complete, it will hand it over to the county attorney. While the Black Student Alliance added in its statement that it will, “Continue to support all students of marginalized groups and create a positive environment for our Black student body.”

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