Leo Hoffman, a 12-year-old is child was beaten up at Seminole Middle School in Largo, Florida last weekend for wearing a rainbow PRIDE flag as a cape at a Memorial Day weekend school event.
Leo was at a picnic at their middle school during when a male student confronted them. The boy grabbed the flag and put it in the garbage, but Leo went to get it back.
Another boy took the flag away again and pushed Leo to the ground and stepped on them. A melee between students then ensured with a tug-of-war with the flag between those standing up for Leo and those who attacked him.
Dr. Michael Moss, principal of the school said\ the alleged attack during the Memorial Day weekend and that five of the main boys involved have been suspended and others were assigned to an alternative school.
“We teach our students to accept and respect everyone for who they are. This is a district that values diversity and promotes inclusion.
Video of the attack has been shared online by Leo’s sister Ashleigh, and has gone viral.
The school is now set to introduce an anti-bullying program when the students return later in the year .
This is a video of my little sibling Leo who is non-binary being drug to the ground, stomped on, and covered in water just for wearing a pride flag at school. Please call Seminole Middle and request #justiceforleo at 727-547-4520 pic.twitter.com/VwNRidkeuj
— Ashleigh 🏳️🌈 (@Mermaid_Lover_) June 1, 2021