Student reportedly expelled for disarming classmate with gun, mother calls him a hero

LANSING, Mich. (WKRC) - An 11-year-old student in Michigan was allegedly expelled after disarming a classmate who brought a gun to school, said his mother. The when the boy used his hunting knowledge to disarm and disassemble the weapon, disposing of the bullets, Savitra McClurkin .

"I'm frustrated. I'm at my wits' end. I don't know what to do," said McClurkin, expressing her dismay over her son's expulsion from Dwight Rich School of the Arts for possessing a weapon. She believes her son acted heroically to protect his classmates, though he reportedly did not alert teachers or staff.

set up to support the boy's homeschooling described his actions as courageous, stating, "On what could have been a tragic and devastating day ... [he] acted out of courage and compassion."

Despite his actions, the school expelled the boy for one year. "Instead of being recognized as a hero, [he] is now being treated like a criminal," the GoFundMe post stated.

Lansing School District officials, including Director of Public Safety Dale Person and Executive Director of School Culture Cordelia Black, said the expulsion followed a thorough investigation and was in accordance with Michigan law regarding dangerous weapons on school property.

"Expulsion is never a decision the district takes lightly. It is always considered a last resort," the statement published by WILX said. "However, Michigan law provides very clear direction in cases involving dangerous weapons. The investigation — which included statements and video evidence — left no ambiguity and required this outcome."

The district emphasized its responsibility to ensure the safety of all students and staff, stating, "While this decision is difficult, our priority remains creating and maintaining a secure environment where learning can take place without fear."

McClurkin disagrees with the decision and pleaded with the board at a recent meeting for her son's reinstatement.

“He’s 11 years old. Seventh grade. Never been in trouble before,” said McClurkin. “They are setting my son up for failure. They’re setting him up to being a statistic and I’ve been doing everything in my will and my power to keep him from that,” she said to WILX.

It was still not known if the student who brought the gun into school was identified or faced any discipline.