An 11-year-old student was expelled after he intervened to disarm a peer who brought a firearm to school-a move his mother describes as an act of bravery.
This disciplinary action has ignited public backlash, with his mother firmly asserting that her son deserves recognition as a hero rather than punishment.
The incident took place in May at Dwight Rich School in Lansing, Michigan. The young boy noticed a fellow student carrying a gun inside the school premises and took immediate action to prevent potential harm. Drawing on his hunting experience, the seventh grader successfully disarmed the classmate, dismantled the weapon, and disposed of the ammunition.
Despite his intentions, school authorities expelled the boy after discovering he had handled the firearm, citing Michigan’s stringent regulations concerning weapons on school grounds.
“He’s just 11 years old, in seventh grade, and has never been in trouble before,” his mother, Savitra McClurkin, shared with NBC affiliate WILX.
McClurkin emphasized that her son acted out of concern for the safety of his classmates, believing he was doing the right thing.
“It’s heartbreaking because he’s a bright child who simply wants to enjoy his childhood,” she added.
She also revealed that her son did not immediately report the incident to adults, explaining that fear and a desire to avoid getting the other student in trouble influenced his hesitation.
“He didn’t want to get himself involved or to accuse the student who brought the gun,” she explained.
Authorities confirmed that a disassembled, unloaded firearm was recovered from the school, and a 12-year-old boy was taken into custody. The identity of the arrested student has not been disclosed.
Following weeks of silence from the school district, McClurkin addressed the Lansing School Board, demanding clarity and accountability.
“I’m overwhelmed and unsure of what steps to take next,” she told WILX.
A GoFundMe campaign initiated by family friends highlights that the boy’s immediate reaction was to protect his peers rather than flee.
The fundraiser states, “Instead of being honored as a hero, he is now being treated like a criminal.” It also notes that the expulsion forced McClurkin to homeschool her son, causing financial hardship due to reduced work hours.
“On what could have been a tragic day, he acted with courage and empathy,” the campaign reads.
Nevertheless, Lansing School District officials maintain that the expulsion was mandatory.
In an official statement, the district said, “After a comprehensive investigation and in compliance with Michigan laws regarding weapons on school property, expulsion was deemed necessary.”
They underscored that the decision was supported by “witness statements and video evidence” and emphasized that “expulsion is never taken lightly.”
“The Lansing School District holds both a legal and ethical duty to protect the safety of all students and staff,” the statement continued.
McClurkin, however, reports that her son has been cut off from all school-related platforms, isolating him from his education. She added that even online schools have declined to enroll him due to the district’s ruling.
“They are setting my child up for failure,” she lamented. “They’re pushing him toward becoming just another statistic, and I’m doing everything possible to prevent that.”
Currently, the boy is enrolled in a non-accredited online program while his family works to have him reinstated in the school system.
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