Students nabbed for bullying redheads

CALABASAS, Calif., Dec. 8 (UPI) -- Los Angeles authorities say they are considering whether to bring criminal charges against three of nine students who allegedly bullied red-headed classmates.

The Los Angeles junior high school students allegedly plotted to set aside a day specifically to trouble students with red hair, the Los Angeles Times reported Tuesday.

The Los Angeles County district attorney's office said three Calabasas children were arrested in connection with the attacks, which were promoted on a Facebook site and inspired by an episode of the animated television show "South Park," apparently titled "Kick a Ginger Day," the Times said.

Some of the accused of the attacks at A.E. Wright Middle School could be placed in a diversion program rather than face criminal charges, Steve Whitmore, a sheriff's department spokesman, said.

The district attorney's Juvenile Offender Intervention Network works, in an out-of-court setting, with non-violent, first-time juvenile offenders. The children and their parents must agree to the terms of a contract in which they acknowledge responsibility for their acts and agree to pay restitution, maintain good school attendance and perform community service.

Eleven victims have come forward, and all the injuries were minor, officials said.

Samara Kleinfinger, 12, a redhead, said she was summoned to the principal's office for warnings after the first attack occurred. The girl said she was punched and kicked on her way to the office by six students.

Some of the students have already gotten five-day suspensions and written apology letters to the victims.