Mother speaks out after son, 11, was expelled for 'taking gun away from classmate'
A mom has been left at her 'wits' end' after her son was expelled from school for 'taking a gun from a classmate'.
Savitra McClurkin said that her son, 11, was kicked out of school after the incident, which saw a classmate bring a firearm onto the campus at Dwight Rich School of the Arts in Michigan back in May.
The incident in question saw a 12-year-old child, who has not been named, arrested after a disassembled weapon was found on school property.
McClurkin has claimed that her son saw his classmate carrying the weapon and was able to use his knowledge of hunting to disarm and disassemble the weapon, and throw the bullets away.
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But while some are claiming that he acted as a 'hero', the boy was instead expelled when his involvement in the incident was revealed to the school authorities, leaving his mom shocked.
She told WILX: "They are setting my child 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.
"It's devastating because he's a bright kid and all he wants to do is be a kid."
The mom added: "I'm frustrated. I'm at my wits' end. I don't know what to do."
McClurkin claimed that her son 'didn't want to implicate himself in it', or 'tell on the person that actually brought the firearm', but was able to make the gun safe.
Now, a GoFundMe has been set up to help raise money to support McClurkin and her son while they figure out what to do next with his education.
The fundraiser said: "Instead of being recognized as a hero, [he] is now being treated like a criminal. He has been expelled and barred from all school platforms, despite being an A/B student, a respectful young man, and an athlete who has been playing sports since he was 6 years old."
It added: "On what could have been a tragic and devastating day ... [he] acted out of courage and compassion."
In a statement shared with PEOPLE, the school said: "In May 2025, a serious incident involving a firearm occurred at Dwight Rich Middle School. After a thorough investigation, and in accordance with Michigan law regarding dangerous weapons on school property, the Lansing School District determined that expulsion was necessary."
"Expulsion is never a decision the district takes lightly. It is always considered a last resort," the statement continued. "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 statement concluded: "The Lansing School District has both 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. Upholding these standards is essential to protecting our school community."
UNILAD has approached the Lansing Public School District for comment.
Kit Roberts