A Bakersfield High School (BHS) student, Bridgette, was allegedly held down by a security guard against metal plates, receiving second-degree and third-degree burns on her body, according to a social media post from her mother, Kristian. On August 31, students held a walkout to protest the security guards and demand justice.
One student chanted that they deserve to feel safe at school while others held signs stating that the Kern High School District can’t keep them safe.
“My daughter was by herself after a classroom altercation when a female security walked up to her and grabbed her inappropriately. My daughter yanked her arm, and that female security socked my daughter in her face, and then more security came and tackled her onto a hot metal plate and held her there for over 2 mins,” said Kristian in the social media post.
Lleweyn, a student at BHS, stated she attended the protest because she does not feel that she should be silent about what happened.
“I think what they did was disgusting,” said Lleweyn. “’Cause she has burns all over her body that’s gonna scar. Those are gonna scar on her. And I don’t like that. I don’t know her personally, but that doesn’t mean I should be silent about it.”
Another student, Isabella, said during the walkout that there is no reason for a child to be held down that way unless they are posing an immediate threat with a weapon.
“I think that’s just using way too much group force,” said Isabella. “It’s just not okay to be handling a child like that, especially if you’re an adult. You know that you don’t have to do all that to restrain a child. So it’s just using excessive force.”
According to an update on the mother’s Facebook page on Bridgette, she had to go to the Fresno burn unit, but her family is trying to keep her in high spirits.
“She is in a lot of pain and trying her best to still keep a smile,” said her Kristian on Facebook. “She wants everyone to know that she loves you all for the support she is getting. To her fellow Driller peers, to continue going to class and not to be traumatized by this… she’ll be back!! GO DRILLERS!!!”
According to the mother, Kern High School District has not reached out to her for next steps, but BHS has reached out to check on Bridgette.
“We just don’t want this to happen to anyone else and would like the security to re-evaluate how they handle students regardless of any situation,” Kristian told Kern Sol News. “What they did was illegal. We want everyone to know that Bridgette is in critical condition and in good spirits, and we appreciate everyone’s support.”
Violeta Trujillo, Public Information Officer for the Kern High School District, sent a written statement on behalf of the district.
“The Kern High School District is aware that an incident occurred between security staff and a student at Bakersfield High School last week. The matter is currently being investigated. The District is unable to comment further on personnel matters,” said KHSD.
