Lesbian student, 11, attacked ‘after months of homophobic bullying’
An 11-year-old lesbian student was reportedly attacked at her school in New Mexico, following months of homophobic bulling.
Savannah Tirre was assaulted by an anonymous student at Zia Middle School on Friday (February 7), reports Las Cruces Sun-News.
Chelsea Tirre, the student’s mother, told Las Cruces Sun-News that her child had been bullied since October, when she came out as gay.
Lesbian student hit at least six times in attack
The pupil’s mother has filed a police report and one student from the school is being investigated, reports LGBTQ Nation.
Video footage, which has been posted on YouTube, shows the student being punched at least six times as she lies on the ground.
“My daughter is being threatened for her life because she’s gay.”
—Chelsea Tirre, the lesbian student’s mother
At one point, Tirre tries to push away her identified attacker using her foot.
Staff can be heard blowing whistles in the background.
It is unclear if Tirre’s sexuality was a factor behind her being attacked.
Facebook users leave anti-gay comments about lesbian student
However, Las Cruces Sun-News reports that social media users had posted offensive comments relating to Tirre after the video was circulated on Facebook.
“This little girl is about to get jumped Monday again so get your phones out,” one Facebook user reportedly wrote, describing Tirre as “a little lesbian.”
Tirre returned to school on Monday (February 11) and is being escorted between classes by a member of staff.
Watch the video of lesbian student Savannah Tirre being attacked below:
The pupil was previously bullied at Picacho Middle School until she was moved by her family to Zia Middle School.
Chelsea Tirre told Las Cruces Sun-News: “My daughter is being threatened for her life because she’s gay.”
A spokesperson from Las Cruces Public Schools told Las Cruces Sun-News:”While we are unable to comment on matters pertaining to specific students, we take all reports of bullying very seriously and address them in accordance with the district’s policies and regulations.
“The safety and well-being of all students is our top concern.”
