Attack on Wayland, Michigan teen may be a hate crime

by Lynn Turner
The Kalamazoo Gazette, Michigan

WAYLAND -- A Wayland Union High School freshman was allegedly attacked by two other girls Tuesday on the last day of school in what police say may be a hate crime related to the victim's sexual orientation.

The three students, all 14, were cleaning out their lockers after fourth period, about 1:30 p.m., when the suspects surrounded the girl and the fight broke out, Wayland Police Chief Dan Miller said. The fight lasted about 30 seconds before school staff broke it up.

The victim, who had some facial bruising and was treated by emergency medical technicians at the school, identifies herself as a lesbian, Miller said.

"I guess some say she's pretty outspoken, and the other two girls didn't like that,'' he said. "We were told by the two suspects it was over the sex-orientation issue that they don't believe in.''

full article