Michigan Student Expelled After Disarming Classmate with Gun Sparks Outrage
An 11-year-old student in Lansing, Michigan, has been expelled from Dwight Rich School of the Arts after disarming a classmate who brought a gun to school. The incident, which occurred in May, has ignited a debate over zero-tolerance policies and the appropriate response to acts of courage in school settings.
Heroic Actions Lead to Expulsion
Sakir Everett, the 11-year-old student, noticed a classmate carrying a gun and acted quickly to protect his peers. Using his hunting skills, he reportedly disarmed and disassembled the weapon before discarding the bullets. His mother, Savitra McClurkin, and a family friend have hailed him as a hero for his quick thinking and bravery.
Despite his actions, the Lansing School District has expelled Sakir for a full year, citing Michigan's zero-tolerance policies regarding weapons on school grounds. This decision has sparked widespread criticism, with many arguing that the punishment is excessive and fails to recognize the boy's heroic actions.
Community Outcry and Financial Strain
A GoFundMe page has been created to support Sakir and his family, highlighting that his "first instinct was not to run away — it was to protect his classmates." The page emphasizes that Sakir, an A/B student and athlete, is now being treated like a criminal, barred from school grounds and online platforms. The expulsion has also placed a significant financial burden on his mother, who has had to reduce her work hours to homeschool him using an unapproved online program.
McClurkin expressed her frustration to the school board, stating, "He’s 11 years old. Seventh grade. Never been in trouble before." She is working to have his record cleared, hoping to ensure he is remembered as a child who prevented a tragedy rather than as a criminal.
School District Defends Zero-Tolerance Policy
The Lansing School District stands by its decision, citing Michigan law that leaves "no ambiguity" regarding weapons on school property. Officials Dale Person and Cordelia Black stated that expulsion is never taken lightly but is necessary when dealing with dangerous weapons. They maintain that the investigation, including statements and video evidence, left no room for discretion, emphasizing their responsibility to ensure the safety of all students and staff.
However, critics argue that zero-tolerance policies can be overly rigid and fail to account for individual circumstances. They contend that Sakir's actions, while technically violating the policy, ultimately prevented a potentially tragic event and should be recognized, not punished.
Advocacy for Compassion and Common Sense
The case has brought to the forefront the tension between strict adherence to policy and the need for compassion and common sense in addressing complex situations. Advocates argue that while laws are intended to keep schools safe, their strict enforcement can sometimes penalize children who act heroically under pressure. The debate continues as McClurkin seeks to have her son's expulsion overturned and his actions recognized for the act of bravery they were.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Student's Name | Sakir Everett |
| School | Dwight Rich School of the Arts |
| Location | Lansing, Michigan |
| Action | Disarmed classmate with a gun |
| Consequence | Expelled for one year |
| Mother's Name | Savitra McClurkin |
