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The victim says those who attacked her are still in school. "No one has a right to judge or attack someone because they are different," the girl's guardian said.
A high school student in Georgia was beaten by a group of other students in between classes last Tuesday. She says those who jumped her are still at the school.
The student, Shantae Payne, who is trans, told TV station WXIA that the attackers are still threatening her.
Video of the attack has been shared on social media, including from someone claiming to be the victim's cousin.
(Editor's note: The video below shows physical violence and may be disturbing to watch.)
None— Brianna Dahlquist (@Brianna Dahlquist) 1636754930
Payne, 15, said she was "blindsided" by the attack. "I didn't know who they were," Payne told WXIA.
She started at Pebblebrook High School in October. Payne said that she lost consciousness as someone helped her to the school nurse.
"On Thursday she walks down the hall and one of the boys walks right by her and threatens her," said Blanche Payne, Shantae Payne's guardian. "[They were] telling her that if she comes back to school 'we're going to drag her in the bathroom,' they're going to attack her."
Blanche believes the students who attacked Payne should be arrested. "No one has a right to judge or attack someone because they are different," she said.
Payne told the outlet she has no doubt why they attacked her.
"People like me are judged every day, we are targeted every day," she explained. "This is a hate crime. This happens all the time and it's swept under the rug. And me being who I am, I'm not going to let it go, I need to be heard because I have a voice just like everybody else, and I'm going to use it."
A spokesperson for the Cobb County School District emailed WXIA with a statement.
"Administration is aware of the video and is investigating. All involved students will be dealt with according to district policies. We are unable to provide further detail due to privacy laws which protect student criminal and discipline records," it said.
Trans people, especially trans women of color, face violence and discrimination every day. This year has been the deadliest for trans people in the U.S., with more than 46 trans deaths reported.
