*When we think of school violence and aggression toward children, a disheartening pattern often emerges: the victims are typically Black, and the aggressors are often White or Latin/Hispanic.
Yet, an alarming case in Pasadena has turned this narrative on its head, as the parents of an 11-year-old Latina girl, Noemi Hurtado, are now demanding accountability after a disturbing incident involving a school security guard.
On the morning of March 26, 2025, Noemi, a sixth grader at Blair Middle School, was reportedly duct-taped by a Black female security guard for talking too much during recess. The incident, which took place in the school office, has left Noemi and her family in a state of emotional distress and prompted them to take action against what they see as a severe abuse of power.
In a statement provided to EURweb, Richard Hurtado, Noemi’s father, expressed the family’s outrage over the actions of the security personnel.
“Our family is outraged that a female security guard took it upon herself to physically restrain and duct tape our child’s mouth in the school office,” he declared. “We have filed a police report with the Pasadena police department. Our daughter is suffering tremendously emotionally.”
Scroll to continue reading
The Hurtado family is not fighting this battle alone. They are receiving support from civil rights activist Najee Ali, Director of Project Islamic Hope, who emphasizes the need for justice and accountability in this troubling case.
“Anytime a child is harmed by anyone, I’m going to fight for the safety and protection of all children until my last dying breath,” Ali commented.
His poignant statement underscores the collective responsibility to safeguard children regardless of the race or identity of the aggressor.
The parents of Noemi are demanding urgent answers from the school administration, particularly from Blair Middle School Principal Amy McGinnis.
They are calling for better training for school security staff, aiming to ensure that such incidents do not happen again.
Ali added: “Principal Amy McGinnis has to answer how she and school staff allowed a school security guard to duct tape a child in the school office. We support this child and her family.”
This urgency reflects a broader demand for systemic change within schools to protect students’ emotional and physical well-being.
The Hurtado family’s plight highlights the critical need for appropriate behavioral management techniques among school staff and the potential consequences of misusing authority. Ali’s support amplifies this urgency and communicates that accountability is not just a racial issue; it’s about protecting the children who are entrusted to the care of adults in educational environments.
To further address this situation, a press conference has been scheduled for Friday, March 28, 2025, at Blair Middle School. Organized by the parents of Noemi Hurtado and supported by Project Islamic Hope and the National Action Network, the conference will seek to bring greater awareness to this troubling incident and pressure school officials for accountability. The event is set to take place at 1:00 PM at 1200 South Marengo Ave, Pasadena, CA 91106.
As the story unfolds, it serves as a poignant reminder of the responsibilities that come with positions of authority in educational settings. Security guards and school staff must be equipped with the proper training to manage student behavior without resorting to physical restraint methods that can be both psychologically damaging and inappropriate.
In a climate where we are increasingly aware of racial dynamics in discussions about school violence, it’s crucial to recognize that accountability and justice should be uniformly demanded, regardless of the aggressor’s race.
For the Hurtado family, Noemi’s experience is not just about an act of aggression within the walls of a school; it’s about standing against misuse of authority and advocating for children’s rights to feel safe and protected in their learning environments.
Press conference
Date: Friday March 28, 2025
Time 1:00 pm
Location: Blair Middle School
1200 South Marengo Ave Pasadena, CA 91106
Sponsored By the parents and family of Noemi Hurtado
Project Islamic Hope
National Action Network
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: Outrage in the LBC: Black 5th Grader Gifted Toy Monkey and Toilet w/Fake Poop! Family Seeks Apology from School District | WATCH
We Publish News 24/7. Don’t Miss Out! Sign up for our Free daily newsletter HERE.
