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Minnesota girl, 11, beaten up every day by school bully, stricken mother says… but Democrat law means nothing can be done about it
An 11-year-old Minnesota pupil’s mother says her daughter has faced repeated bullying and assaults by another student since last year. She says two recent attacks were recorded as the girl got off her school bus, and that her daughter is now missing school because she fears further assaults.
The mother says the school district has suspended the other pupil and promised to keep the girls apart, but the attacks continued. Minnesota law HF 5216, passed in 2024 and in force since August, bars criminal delinquency proceedings for children under 13, while allowing police investigations and child protection intervention. The mother says she has contacted state officials and local leaders for help.
In short
- Mother says her 11-year-old daughter was assaulted twice near her bus stop.
- Minnesota law bars delinquency charges against children under 13.
- The mother says fear of further attacks has kept her daughter from school.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters of HF 5216 can argue that children under 13 should not be drawn into criminal proceedings, which may stigmatise them without addressing the causes of their behaviour. The law still permits police to investigate and child protection services to intervene, while schools retain responsibility for safety measures; the reported failures may reflect inadequate enforcement or support rather than the age limit itself.
The case against
Critics can argue that when serious assaults continue despite school suspensions and separation plans, families need a reliable route to protect the victim and hold the other child accountable. Even if criminal proceedings are unsuitable for young children, they contend the law should ensure effective, timely alternatives and clear responsibility when those measures fail, so a child is not left afraid to attend school.