As many have learned from news reports, a trans student in Hopkins was brutally assaulted in what we have reason to believe may be a bias-motivated incident. Our hearts go out to the student, to their family, and to all affected in the community and beyond. All students should be able to go to school without fear of violence or harassment.

OutFront Minnesota has been in direct contact with the family of the victim and are working with them and our partner organizations to provide support. We joined the rally organized by Transforming Families and Queer Equity Institute held outside Hopkins High School and will continue to engage in the days and weeks ahead.

Violence and discrimination have no place in our schools. Unfortunately, we have seen an alarming rise in harassment and targeting of LGBTQ+ students, both across the country and here in Minnesota. Even with stronger legal protections including the Safe and Supportive Schools Act here in our state, LGBTQ+ students remain among the most targeted for harassment and violence with 65.8% of LGB and 67.8% of trans and gender diverse 9th graders report being bullied at least once in a month and nearly 1 in 10 reporting daily harassment according to data from the 2022 Minnesota Student Survey.

That is unacceptable, and we all have a responsibility to address this climate and ensure our LGBTQ+ students are safe and able to learn to their full potential.

We will continue to work with Hopkins schools and community to provide support and resources and demand accountability after this horrific attack.

We urge members of our community to be thoughtful in consuming reporting around this attack, and to take care of yourselves and those around you as we process these events. We know that 2SLGBTQIA+ youth across our state are feeling especially vulnerable—particularly after the death of Nex Benedict in Oklahoma earlier this year. 

To our state’s 2SLGBTQIA+ youth: Know that you are loved and that our organization and so many in our state are here to support you.

Help is Available

If you are in need of support you can reach out to OutFront Minnesota’s Anti-Violence Program at 800.800.0350 or avp@outfront.org.

Or to trusted partners including: