by Lansing, MI – A courageous act by an 11-year-old student at Dwight Rich School of the Arts in Michigan has sparked controversy and community concern after he was expelled for disarming a classmate who brought a gun to school. The preteen’s mother and family supporters insist that the boy’s actions were heroic and done out of compassion to protect his fellow students.
Back in May, the school district expelled the student after school officials accused him of possessing a weapon, despite evidence that he only disassembled the gun to prevent harm. This decision has ignited a debate about school safety, disciplinary policies, and how authorities respond to incidents involving dangerous weapons on campus.
The Courageous Act That Led to Expulsion
The 11-year-old boy’s mother, Savitra McClurkin, shared in a September 19 interview with WILX that her son took initiative to disarm his classmate after spotting the gun. Using his hunting knowledge, he disassembled the firearm and discarded the bullets, hoping to safeguard others without implicating himself or his classmate, understanding that firearms don’t belong in schools.
“He didn’t want to implicate himself in it, nor did he want to tell on the person that actually brought the firearm, because he knows firearms aren’t supposed to be in school,”
A family friend’s message on a GoFundMe page supporting the boy’s homeschooling reinforced this perspective, stating the student’s first instinct was to protect classmates during what could have been a terrible tragedy.
- The weapon was found disassembled and unloaded in the school in May 2025.
- A 12-year-old boy was later arrested in connection to bringing the firearm to school.
- The expelled student has been an A/B student, respectful, and active in sports since age 6.
School District’s Response and Legal Considerations
The Lansing School District emphasized the gravity of the situation and their obligation to maintain a safe educational environment. Director of Public Safety Dale Person and Executive Director of School Culture Cordelia Black issued a statement stressing the district’s compliance with Michigan law, which mandates strong consequences for dangerous weapons on school property.
“Expulsion is never a decision the district takes lightly. It is always considered a last resort,” the statement said, adding, “the investigation — which included statements and video evidence — left no ambiguity and required this outcome.”
The district highlighted their responsibility for ensuring safety for all students and staff, indicating that although the decision is difficult, it aims to protect the entire school community.
Impact on the Student and Family
Following the expulsion, McClurkin noted her son has been enrolled in a non-accredited online program while awaiting future decisions about his schooling. The family faces significant challenges as the abrupt removal forced McClurkin to take on homeschooling duties, resulting in financial strain due to reduced work hours.
She expressed her frustration and concern over the long-term consequences for her son, whom she described as a bright and respectful child who simply wanted to be safe and continue learning.
“They are setting my child up for failure. They’re setting him up to be a statistic, and I’ve been doing everything in my will and my power to keep him from that,” McClurkin said.
- The student had no prior disciplinary issues and is typically respectful and academically successful.
- The family began a GoFundMe to support homeschooling expenses caused by the sudden expulsion.
- Local online schools are honoring the district’s expulsion decision, limiting alternative education options.
Read Also: Pennsylvania Mom Charged After Fourth Dead Baby Found Hidden in Rented Home
Key Takeaways and Community Reflections
This case highlights the challenges schools face in balancing strict legal protocols around weapons with compassion for students who act to prevent harm. It also raises questions about support systems for young students navigating complex situations and the consequences they face.
For parents and community members wanting to learn more about safe firearm storage and child safety, resources like BeSMARTforkids.org offer valuable guidance.
For additional coverage on this incident, visit the full report by People magazine here.
What Do You Think About This Story?
This incident opens a complex conversation about school safety and student discipline. What is your perspective on how schools should handle similar situations? Have you experienced or witnessed acts of courage like this in educational settings? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
