New Jersey Transgender Teen Viciously Beaten At School: Officials

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A 14-year-old transgender teen in Essex County suffered a vicious beating during a bullying episode at her high school on Friday, taking a flurry of punches and kicks from students that she claims have mocked her gender identity in the past.

Kylie Perez, a student at East Side High School in Newark, told a reporter from Pix 11 New York that she has been bullied at school since her transition from Justin to Kylie in the sixth grade.

"They would call me gay and [expletive]," Perez said. "You can’t really change anybody, how they feel, whether they’re gay, lesbian, transgender or anything…that’s their decision."

According to reports, seven students have been suspended following the attack, which was captured on video. No charges have been filed as of Monday, and authorities in Essex County are reviewing the case.

According to Garden State Equality, transgender individuals make up approximately 0.7 percent of the U.S. population, meaning that in New Jersey, there are an estimated 13,962 transgender students in K-12 schools.

"We know from census data, as well as from our experiences working in New Jersey schools, that LGBT youth, including transgender youth, reside in every part of the state," Garden State Equality writes.

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka issued a statement on Saturday condemning the savage beating, which has been classified as a bias incident.

“I join the LGBTQI community as well as the parents, students, and citizens of Newark who are appalled by the recent bullying and vicious attack on fourteen-year-old Kylie Perez, a transgender student, at East Side High School," Baraka said. "We must remain vigilant as a community and continue to denounce and to prosecute the hate crimes that are perpetrated upon members of the LGBTQI community. This act was particularly egregious because the victim is a young teen whose attackers assailed her without warning."

Baraka added:

"This incident reinforces the importance of the role of our schools in educating students about the need to respect each other’s rights regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation. I will be reaching out to Ms. Perez and her family as well as members of the LGBTQI community to continue to find ways to protect their rights and well-being.”

SCHOOL OFFICIALS SPEAK

The Newark Public Schools and School Board issued a statement about the incident on Monday.

"The Newark Public Schools and School Board stand with our LGBTQ students and staff, and the entire Newark Community, in condemning the heinous and discriminatory acts that occurred at East Side High School last week. This is not acceptable behavior under any circumstances and is especially disappointing in light of the resolution passed by the Newark School Board in September in support of Newark’s LGBTQ students, and the long-standing policies supporting tolerance and inclusion as district-wide values.

"While this case remains under investigation, the district is sharing all available information about actions taking place related to this incident and to prevent bullying in schools more broadly.

"The district took immediate action when the incident occurred on Tuesday to suspend all students involved from school. These students will have hearings this week to determine the appropriate placement and disciplinary action longer term.

"The district and school administrators are cooperating with local law enforcement to further investigate the incident. Detectives from the Special Victim's Unit of the Newark Police Division are leading the criminal investigation and have taken statements from all students involved. As per protocol, the Essex County Prosecutor's Office is reviewing the incident.

"The school's social worker, guidance team, and administration have also been working with the student and her family to ensure she feels safe and secure at East Side High School. The student has been attending school every day since the incident took place and has reported feeling safe.

"This week, East Side High School leaders will engage students in tolerance education lessons and will conduct restorative justice circles with students. Additionally, this week is the Week of Respect throughout the state. All students in Newark are engaging in tolerance and anti-bullying programs and lessons. The East Side community, like many schools, will be wearing blue today and every Monday throughout the month of October in recognition of anti-bullying month. This activity is a part of larger anti-bullying policies and campaign to prevent bullying in schools.

"Last week, the Newark Board of Education adopted a resolution supporting School Safety and Educational Opportunity for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning (LGBTQ) Students. The resolution requires all schools to have a dedicated staff person trained to be a support person for this population of students in their building starting next year. As the board resolution states, the Newark schools leadership and School Board will be vigilant in working together and “work[ing] actively with outside LGBTQ rights organizations and activist groups to direct and set the tone for an inclusive Newark Public Schools District.”

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