LOS ANGELES, CA – Beverly Hills High School has implemented new rules limiting large student gatherings following rowdy celebrations by pro-Trump students after his victory in the 2024 presidential election.
Principal Drew Stewart issued a message to families announcing the changes, emphasizing that while individual free speech rights would be protected, large assemblies would be curtailed to maintain safety and prevent disruption. The announcement followed an Instagram and TikTok video showing students cheering, dancing, and waving a Trump banner in the school courtyard.
The video, which went viral, depicted a school security guard holding up a Trump flag as students cheered and crowded against each other.
“We have had ongoing exercises of student political speech over the past two days,” Stewart wrote in an email. “Starting tomorrow, students will continue to be able to exercise this right individually but will be restricted in their right to assemble. These assemblies have ended up creating a disruption to normal school activities and have also left many students feeling unsafe and unwelcome.”
The new rules prohibit students from congregating, circling up, shouting, or jumping in large groups on campus.
Beverly Hills, known for its conservative leanings compared to the predominantly liberal Los Angeles County, voted strongly in favor of Trump in the election. In one precinct, Trump secured 63% of the vote, compared to Vice President Kamala Harris’ 33%, according to local voting data.
The election season highlighted deep divisions, with Trump continuing his sharp rhetoric against Democrats, immigrants, and the press, while Harris warned of the existential threat she said he posed to democracy. Trump won decisively on Tuesday.
Superintendent Michael Bregy said the decision to limit gatherings was aimed at fostering a supportive environment for all students.
“We value students’ freedom of expression and encourage respectful civic engagement,” Bregy said. He added that staff closely monitored the demonstrations this week and “acted swiftly to de-escalate when expressions crossed into disruption.”
A district source, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted that students had brought flags on poles, which is against the education code. School administrators monitored the gatherings to ensure safety.
“We have to stand within the group, and until they start, you know, physically compressing on one another with their jumping, then that becomes dangerous,” the source said. “Then we’re crossing into the area where it’s way beyond education code.”
The school’s actions reflect efforts to balance freedom of expression with campus safety during a politically charged moment.
In the days following the implementation of these measures, reports emerged alleging that some pro-Trump students engaged in racially charged incidents targeting Black students on campus.
According to accounts from students and faculty, a group of students, many donning “Make America Great Again” hats, reportedly approached a classroom where members of the Black Student Union were present, banging on doors and shouting profanities and racial slurs.
Teacher Bella Ivory, who was in the classroom during the incident, described the experience as reminiscent of “a Ku Klux Klan mob,” expressing fear for her and her students’ safety. Students recounted feelings of terror, with one stating, “I’ve never felt this scared at school and in fear of my life.”
In response to these allegations, the Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) Board of Education convened a meeting where affected students and staff shared their experiences. Superintendent Michael Bregy acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating, “We sincerely appreciate all of the speakers who contributed this evening. Alongside my colleagues, I take all concerns regarding hate speech and safety extremely seriously and we are actively addressing these through regular meetings with our students.”
The district emphasized its commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive environment, reiterating that while freedom of expression is valued, it must not infringe upon the rights and safety of others. The new regulations aim to prevent disruptions and ensure that all students feel secure on campus.
These developments have sparked a broader conversation within the community about balancing free speech with the need to maintain a respectful and safe educational environment. As the school year progresses, BHUSD plans to implement additional programs and workshops focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion to address underlying tensions and promote unity among the student body.
