An 11-year-old student in Lansing, Michigan, was expelled for a full school year after he disarmed a classmate who brought a firearm to school. The Lansing School District disciplined the student, Sakir Everett, for not immediately reporting the weapon to staff, a decision that has left his family facing significant educational and financial challenges.
Key Takeaways
- An 11-year-old student named Sakir Everett disarmed a classmate who had a gun at Dwight Rich School of the Arts.
- The Lansing School District expelled Everett for the entire school year, citing his failure to immediately inform staff.
- The student's mother says her son, who has a hunting background, acted to protect his peers.
- The family is now struggling with homeschooling and financial strain, leading to a community GoFundMe campaign.
- The school district maintains the expulsion was a "necessary" action required by Michigan law regarding weapons on school property.
Details of the Incident in Lansing
The incident occurred in May at the Dwight Rich School of the Arts. According to his mother, Savitra Mcclurkin, 11-year-old Sakir Everett saw another student with a gun. He then took the firearm, removed the bullets, and disassembled it.
Mcclurkin explained that her son has experience with firearms due to a hunting background. She believes he acted out of a desire to protect those around him. "He was trying to protect his classmates," she stated in an interview with local news station WILX 10.
However, because Sakir did not immediately alert a teacher or staff member about the weapon, he became the subject of disciplinary action. His mother suggested he was afraid of getting himself into trouble or telling on the other student. "He didn't want to implicate himself in it, nor did he want to tell on the person that actually brought the firearm," she said. "Because he knows firearms aren’t supposed to be in school."
Zero-Tolerance Policies in Schools
Many school districts across the United States operate under zero-tolerance policies regarding weapons on campus. These policies often mandate specific, severe consequences, such as suspension or expulsion, for any student found in possession of a weapon, regardless of the circumstances or intent. The goal is to create a clear and non-negotiable standard for school safety.
School District Cites State Law in Expulsion
The Lansing School District responded to the incident by expelling Sakir Everett for the entire academic year. In a statement provided to WILX 10, the district described the decision as a "last resort" but ultimately "necessary."
The administration said its action was based on a thorough investigation that included statements and video evidence. The district emphasized its legal obligations under state law.
"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's statement read.
The district also reinforced its commitment to campus safety. "The school district said they have a 'legal and moral responsibility to ensure the safety of all students and staff. While this decision is difficult, our priority remains creating and maintaining a secure environment where learning can take place without fear.'"
Family Faces Hardship and Seeks Support
The expulsion has had a significant impact on Sakir and his family. His mother, Savitra Mcclurkin, expressed her distress during a recent Lansing School Board meeting. She described her son as an A/B student who had never been in trouble before, calling the situation "devastating."
"I’m at my wits end. I don’t know what to do," Mcclurkin told WILX 10, highlighting the emotional toll on her family. "He’s a bright kid and all he wants to do is be a kid."
The family's challenges are not just emotional but also educational and financial. According to reports, accredited online school programs have refused to enroll Sakir, honoring the district's expulsion order. As a result, he is currently enrolled in a non-accredited online program.
Community Fundraising Efforts
A GoFundMe campaign was organized to support the family. The fundraiser notes that Sakir's mother "had to take on the enormous challenge of educating him at home," forcing her to reduce her work hours and causing "serious financial strain." As of the latest update, the campaign has raised nearly $12,000 of its $18,000 goal.
Unanswered Questions Remain
While the focus has been on Sakir's expulsion, the original article notes a critical piece of missing information. It remains publicly unclear what disciplinary actions, if any, were taken against the student who initially brought the loaded firearm to the Dwight Rich School of the Arts.
The community's reaction has been one of confusion and frustration, with many questioning whether the school's policy was applied appropriately in a situation where a student's actions may have prevented a more serious incident. The case highlights the complexities of enforcing zero-tolerance weapons policies when context and intent are debated.