HAZELWOOD, Mo. (First Alert 4) - A hallway fight at Hazelwood Central Middle School is drawing attention after a mother says her daughter was bullied and beaten just two days into the school year.

Patricia Hicks says her daughter, 12-year-old Zanijah, was left with a black eye and a scar on her forehead after the incident.

“Why can’t she be herself? Why are these kids picking on my daughter, and now she might be scared to be herself?” Hicks said.

Zanijah told First Alert 4 Investigates that the bullying focused on how she dressed.

“They were talking about ‘why are you in boys’ clothes?’ and that I’m a girl,” Zanijah said. “People were just making fun of me.”

Hicks believes the bullying also extends to her daughter’s sexuality.

“I teach my kids to love who they love and to love and ac

See Full Page