Last Thursday, 17-year-old Cobalt Sovereign experienced a harrowing ordeal at Hopkins High School that led to hospitalization and has ignited a community rallying for justice and inclusion. Cobalt, a transgender student, faced a brutal assault in the school’s bathroom, which is now under investigation by Minnetonka police as a possible hate crime.
The Incident
Cobalt’s day took a dramatic turn when she needed to use the restroom. “I was attempting to use the restroom and actually didn’t get to until an hour later at the hospital,” she recounted. The assault left her with serious injuries requiring a two-day hospital stay.
“In the bathroom, he had looked over the stall directly where I was attempting to use the bathroom, and that is where he initially called me a faggot in the first place,” Cobalt described. The student who allegedly called her the slur repeated it multiple times. After leaving the bathroom, Cobalt confronted the student verbally, which led to her being punched in the jaw.
Ashley Sovereign, Cobalt’s mother, verified her daughter’s account after viewing police-provided surveillance footage. “I saw just what she described; she comes out of the bathroom, and there are these three kids. They are clearly getting to her and around her, and then one of them hit her while she’s just standing there, hit her very hard,” Ashley said.
The impact of the punch was severe. “I was hit in the jaw, and at the time one of my teeth exploded, pieces in my mouth,” Cobalt said. “My jaw was broken in two places … molar, just shattered.” Alongside these physical injuries, the mental toll has been significant. “Mentally I did have a few nightmares after the events,” she added.
Challenges and Courage
Prior to the attack, Cobalt wasn’t necessarily scared to use the bathroom but felt incredibly uncomfortable. “Less scared, more just incredibly uncomfortable,” she said. Despite Hopkins High having gender-inclusive bathrooms, they are often occupied or inconveniently located, forcing her to use the men’s bathroom.
“I would rather be uncomfortable than make other people uncomfortable by using the women’s bathroom,” Cobalt explained, showcasing a profound level of empathy and self-awareness even in the face of adversity.
For Ashley Sovereign, being a trans parent is a blend of joy and worry. “Just so lucky. We’re really all lucky. Everybody is lucky who knows her,” she said. “It might be hard for the world to have a trans kid, but it’s not hard for me.”
Legal and Community Response
The county attorney is currently reviewing the case to determine possible charges. Hopkins High School confirmed that the student accused of hitting Cobalt was immediately disciplined in line with the school’s policy, which mandates suspension for students involved in fights. Wednesday marked the final day of classes for the school year.
In response to the incident, the Queer Equity Institute and Transforming Families organized a rally, scheduled for 10 a.m. outside of Hopkins High School. The rally aims to support Cobalt and raise awareness about the safety and inclusivity issues faced by transgender students. State Rep. Leigh Finke, Minnesota’s first openly transgender legislator, is also expected to attend.
Hundreds of people gathered on Wednesday to show solidarity with Cobalt and demand stronger actions from the school. For Jae Bates, a Hopkins High alum who came out as transgender ten years ago, the incident is particularly disheartening. “That never crossed my mind a day in my entire life being a student here,” he said. “And so it’s sad to me, as a trans adult, that trans youth today, in 2024, a decade later, are less safe than I was.”
Cobalt’s brother, Wilder Sovereign, noted that the attack ended her school year prematurely and has left her contemplating whether to return for her senior year. “She’s experienced glimmers of transphobia before this, just naturally, as most, if not all, trans people do,” he said. “But it’s never been this bad. It’s never gone to the point of full-on assault.”
Wilder also mentioned the ongoing impact on Cobalt’s health, with her currently unable to consume solid food and concerns about potential traumatic brain injury. Yet, despite these challenges, the family found some solace in the overwhelming support shown at the rally. “If nothing else, I am happy that we have these lovely people here to show support,” Cobalt’s mother expressed.
School and Police Statements
The Minnetonka Police Department confirmed their investigation into the assault as a potential hate crime. A spokesperson for the city stated, “Minnetonka police are investigating an alleged assault at Hopkins High School as a possible hate crime. The assault is reported to have injured a student at the school last Thursday, May 30. Details remain limited as the case was reported to police hours after the assault is said to have taken place.”
In a letter to Hopkins High School families, Principal Crystal Ballard emphasized the school’s commitment to creating a safe environment for LGBTQ+ students. “Hopkins Public Schools works very intentionally to create safe places for LGBTQ+ families, staff, and scholars,” Ballard wrote. She encouraged students in need of support to reach out to the school’s LGBTQ+ Liaison and utilize resources like The Trevor Project.
The Bottom Line
Cobalt’s assault has cast a spotlight on the challenges faced by transgender students and the urgent need for comprehensive safety measures in schools. The community’s response demonstrates a collective call for justice and inclusivity, emphasizing that no student should have to endure what Cobalt has.
As the investigation continues, the support for Cobalt and her family remains unwavering. The rally and ongoing community efforts serve as a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength within the transgender community and its allies, united in the fight against hate and for a safer, more inclusive world.
