A Lansing, Michigan, mother has expressed her frustration after her 11-year-old son was expelled from school for the year over an incident involving a firearm that his classmate brought to the educational institution.
In an interview with WILX, Savitra Mcclurkin said that her son was expelled from the Dwight Rich School of the Arts in May after he disarmed and dismantled a gun that his classmate brought to school.
Mcclurkin’s son, after dismantling the gun, discarded the bullets. But the 11-year-old waited for a while before informing an adult. He was subsequently expelled from the school after being accused of weapons possession. Mcclurkin, who is urging officials to reinstate her son, described his actions as heroic.
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“They kicked him out of school for the whole year. Online schools are honoring their decision, nor did they provide us a different resource or a different avenue to go,” Mcclurkin said.
She also said that her efforts to get in touch with the Lansing School District have proved futile. She ultimately attended the Lansing School Board meeting on September 18.
“He’s 11 years old. Seventh grade. Never been in trouble before,” Mcclurkin said. She also said that her son’s hunting background enabled him to disarm and dismantle the gun. Mcclurkin told the news outlet that her son was scared at the time, and he felt that he was helping his schoolmates.
“He didn’t want to implicate himself in it, nor did he want to tell them the person that actually brought the firearm. Because he knows firearms aren’t supposed to be in school” she also said in the interview. “It’s devastating because he’s a bright kid and all he wants to do is be a kid. And as a parent, I feel like I may be more devastated than him.”
READ ALSO: Mom accused of putting gun in child’s school backpack to ‘return’ it to dad
Lansing School District addressed the incident in a statement and explained why they took that action.
“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,” the statement said.
“Expulsion is never a decision the district takes lightly. It is always considered a last resort. 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 added: “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.”
Mcclurkin told WILX that officials were “setting” her “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.”
She continued: “After a hundred and eighty days, they may or may not reinstate him. So then what?”
Mcclurkin also said that though her son is now enrolled in online school, the program is not accredited. She said the purpose is to help him keep up with his studies during his time at home.
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe has been set up to help raise funds for the 11-year-old and his family. “On what could have been a tragic and devastating day, 11 year-old Sakir Everett acted out of courage and compassion. When he discovered another student at his school carrying a gun, Sakir’s instinct was not to run away — it was to protect his classmates. He took the gun from the armed student, disassembled it, and removed the bullets, preventing what could have been an unimaginable tragedy,” the fundraiser states.
“Instead of being recognized as a hero, Sakir 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 six years old. He has never been in trouble at school before.”
The fundraiser also states that because of the 11-year-old’s “sudden expulsion,” his mother has “had to take on the enormous challenge of educating him at home.”
“This has forced her to cut back on work, creating serious financial strain on their household,” the fundraiser adds. “We are asking our community to come together to support Sakir and his family. Any contribution — even one dollar — will help cover educational expenses, tutoring, and household needs while they navigate this crisis.”
The fundraiser said that the minor “acted out of bravery and love for his classmates.”
