Hold Bakersfield High School accountable for student safety
Hold Bakersfield High School accountable for student safety
The Issue
Justice for Bridgette — Demand Accountability and Student Safety
Recently, a disturbing incident occurred at Bakersfield High School involving a student named Bridgette, who suffered serious injuries during an encounter with school staff.
According to reports, Bridgette was punched in the face by a staff member. Multiple other staff members then tackled her and pinned her to the ground against a metal surface for approximately two minutes in the extreme Bakersfield heat. As a result, Bridgette reportedly suffered second-degree burns.
What is even more concerning is that the school allegedly did not call an ambulance after Bridgette was injured. Her mother had to call for emergency medical help herself. This raises serious concerns about whether the school properly responded to a medical emergency involving a student under its supervision.
California law places limits on the use of physical force against students. California Education Code § 49001 prohibits corporal punishment in public schools, while Education Code § 44807 allows physical control only when it is reasonably necessary to protect students, maintain order, or address safety concerns. Whether the force used against Bridgette was lawful should be determined through a proper investigation.
We are calling on Bakersfield High School, the Kern High School District, and appropriate authorities to:
Conduct a full and independent investigation into what happened to Bridgette.
Preserve and review security footage, witness statements, staff reports, and medical records.
Investigate every staff member involved in the incident.
Determine whether the force used was reasonable and necessary under California law.
Investigate why emergency medical services were allegedly not called.
Review the training staff receive regarding de-escalation, restraint, and emergency situations.
Take appropriate disciplinary or legal action if wrongdoing is confirmed.
Students deserve to feel safe at school. No student should be subjected to unnecessary or excessive force, and every injured student deserves an appropriate and timely response.
Please sign this petition to support Bridgette, demand accountability, and help make schools safer for every student.
459
The Issue
Justice for Bridgette — Demand Accountability and Student Safety
Recently, a disturbing incident occurred at Bakersfield High School involving a student named Bridgette, who suffered serious injuries during an encounter with school staff.
According to reports, Bridgette was punched in the face by a staff member. Multiple other staff members then tackled her and pinned her to the ground against a metal surface for approximately two minutes in the extreme Bakersfield heat. As a result, Bridgette reportedly suffered second-degree burns.
What is even more concerning is that the school allegedly did not call an ambulance after Bridgette was injured. Her mother had to call for emergency medical help herself. This raises serious concerns about whether the school properly responded to a medical emergency involving a student under its supervision.
California law places limits on the use of physical force against students. California Education Code § 49001 prohibits corporal punishment in public schools, while Education Code § 44807 allows physical control only when it is reasonably necessary to protect students, maintain order, or address safety concerns. Whether the force used against Bridgette was lawful should be determined through a proper investigation.
We are calling on Bakersfield High School, the Kern High School District, and appropriate authorities to:
Conduct a full and independent investigation into what happened to Bridgette.
Preserve and review security footage, witness statements, staff reports, and medical records.
Investigate every staff member involved in the incident.
Determine whether the force used was reasonable and necessary under California law.
Investigate why emergency medical services were allegedly not called.
Review the training staff receive regarding de-escalation, restraint, and emergency situations.
Take appropriate disciplinary or legal action if wrongdoing is confirmed.
Students deserve to feel safe at school. No student should be subjected to unnecessary or excessive force, and every injured student deserves an appropriate and timely response.
Please sign this petition to support Bridgette, demand accountability, and help make schools safer for every student.
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Petition created on August 27, 2026