Photo: GLAAD
MARTINEZ, Calif. (AP) — A transgender teenager who was charged with battery after she got into a fight with three other girls at her Northern California high school is receiving encouragement from supporters who want prosecutors to drop the misdemeanor charge.
The New York-based Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network on Friday joined 16-year-old Jewelyes Gutierrez’ public defender and the president of the West Contra Costa Unified school board in questioning why Gutierrez is the only student facing criminal penalties from the Nov. 15 brawl at Hercules High School.
No one was seriously injured in the fight, but it was caught on a cell phone video.
Jewelyes tells the Contra Costa Times she has been repeatedly harassed at school for being transgender.
Deputy District Attorney Dan Cabral says he can’t discuss the case because it involves juveniles.
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