In a recent incident that has sparked widespread debate and scrutiny, a video of a brutal fight between two students in the Hazelwood School District has gone viral, raising questions about race, student safety, and the district's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The altercation resulted in serious injuries, with one student suffering brain bleeding and swelling and remaining unconscious.

The video, which quickly circulated on social media platforms, has been met with polarizing reactions. Some right-wing circles immediately claimed that race must have been a factor in the fight, while others have called for the assailant to be charged as an adult. However, the decision to charge the accused as an adult will ultimately be up to a juvenile court judge.

The incident has now taken a political turn, with Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey weighing in on the matter. Bailey, known for his involvement in the culture war fray among suburban school boards, has sent a letter to the Hazelwood School District demanding records related to their DEI initiatives. Bailey has claimed that DEI has become a political rallying cry and an avenue for promoting discriminatory practices.

However, Bailey's letter has drawn criticism for its inaccuracies. He stated that the fight occurred during the school day on a specific date, whereas it actually took place about 15 minutes after school dismissal on a different date. Bailey also lamented the absence of school resource officers (SROs) during the altercation, despite the fact that the incident occurred in a residential area away from school grounds.

It's worth noting that at the start of the school year, Hazelwood had no SROs in schools due to a dispute over mandated diversity, equity, and inclusion training for officers. The district instead relies on its School Safety Department, which employs licensed school safety officers.

The district's DEI plan has come under scrutiny in the aftermath of the incident. Critics, including a far-right social media account, have criticized the district's use of restorative practices as part of their disciplinary approach. Restorative practices aim to address historical disparities in punishment among minority students.

The controversy surrounding the incident has also attracted attention from prominent figures, such as billionaire Bill Ackman, who donated $10,000 to a GoFundMe campaign for the injured student. Ackman, a vocal critic of DEI, declined to comment on his motivations for the donation.

In response to the criticism and scrutiny, Hazelwood School District officials have reaffirmed their commitment to promoting DEI within the district. They emphasized that their values are unwavering and that DEI initiatives are essential for fostering an inclusive environment that prioritizes student well-being.

As the debate continues, the Hazelwood School District finds itself at the center of a larger conversation about race, student safety, and the role of DEI in educational institutions. The ultimate outcome of this incident and the district's response to it will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the community.