Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey’s recent assertion blaming a school district’s diversity programming for an after-school fight has sparked controversy and allegations of racial bias.
In a letter addressed to Bailey, Hazelwood School District’s lawyer, Cindy Reeds Ormsby, accused him of showing “obvious racial bias” against majority Black school districts.
The incident in question occurred on March 8 when a fight left a girl hospitalized with severe head injuries.
Bailey attributed the incident to the school district’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programming, suggesting that the absence of a school resource officer (SRO) was due to these programs. However, Ormsby challenged Bailey’s claims, questioning his assumptions and motives.
Ormsby’s letter to Bailey raised concerns about his selective focus on the Hazelwood assault while ignoring similar incidents in neighboring districts.
She also questioned Bailey’s representation of all citizens of Missouri, emphasizing the racial demographics of the Hazelwood School District.
The Hazelwood School District, predominantly Black with a small white minority, has faced challenges regarding school resource officers since 2021.
Attempts to mandate diversity training for officers led to disagreements between police departments and the school board, resulting in the hiring of private security guards.
Bailey’s accusation that the absence of SROs contributed to the incident was refuted by Ormsby, who argued that officers could not have prevented an off-campus altercation.
She reiterated the district’s commitment to student safety and learning through its DEI initiatives.
In response to Ormsby’s letter, Bailey’s spokesperson did not immediately provide comment.
Meanwhile, the Hazelwood School District reiterated its dedication to DEI initiatives, emphasizing their importance in fostering a safe and inclusive learning environment.
The incident points to ongoing tensions surrounding diversity programming in schools and the need for constructive dialogue to address issues of racial bias and student safety.
