BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — A student is reportedly suffering second-degree burns after a confrontation with security guards at Bakersfield High School. BHS students are calling for the Kern High School District to take action.
“Learning not burning! Learning not burning!” screamed dozens of BHS students as they walked out of their classrooms in protest.
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Photos surfaced online of a student seemingly being held down by three security guards, on a metal utility plate on school grounds. The photos depict huge blisters on the girl’s knee and stomach, her skin peeling off.
The large black metal plate is between the cement, baking in the hot sun.
“Just walking over it makes it hot. I can’t imagine being held down like that,” said BHS sophomore Madeline Renteria.
The incident happened, according to the protesters, on Tuesday last week — as temperatures reached 104 degrees. The victim’s mother said on a post on Facebook a security guard grabbed her daughter and held her on the ground for two minutes, causing second-degree burns.
On Monday, students brought signs and slogans to protest. The students said the protest was inside campus, but KHSD police told them they had to go in front of the school because they were disrupting class.
The students said they are protesting not only for the burned girl, but for all the kids at BHS.
“I want to make sure that this entire school is safe for everyone,” said sophomore James Isaac.
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Parents picking up their children from school said they want answers as well.
“Them consciously knowing that it’s hot degrees on the ground and for them to do that, it’s unacceptable for me as a parent,” said Margarita Munoz.
The district is not giving students or parents answers. We asked KHSD if the security guards are still working. A spokesperson said the district is aware of the incident and that they are investigating. No further comment was provided.
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