Michigan 11-year-old expelled after disarming classmate who brought gun to school

An 11-year-old Michigan student, Sakir Everett, was expelled from Dwight Rich School of the Arts after disarming a classmate who allegedly brought a gun to school, a move his mother says helped prevent an unimaginable tragedy. The incident occurred in May at the Lansing public magnet school.

Sakir reportedly spotted the other student carrying a firearm during the school day and stepped in to protect his peers. The classmate, Everett, was accused of possession of a weapon and banned from the middle school. Sakir did not tell teachers at the time, fearing he would be punished for getting involved. His mother, Savitra McClurkin, has said the expulsion covered an entire year, a punishment she argues is misapplied to a student who acted to reduce danger.

Supporters describe Sakir as an A/B student who is active in sports, and a GoFundMe page organized on behalf of McClurkin notes that he acted out of bravery and love for his classmates. The fundraiser highlights the financial strain on the family since the expulsion forced McClurkin to homeschool Sakir and cut back on work to manage his education.

Sakir is currently enrolled in a non-accredited online program to stay on track while the district decides how to proceed. McClurkin said online schools have honored the district’s decision, but she criticized the lack of additional resources or guidance offered to her family.

The Lansing School District and its board have faced calls from community members to reinstate Sakir and recognize his actions as protective rather than punitive. At a recent board meeting, McClurkin urged a reversal of the expulsion and described the financial and educational stress the decision has caused. The board did not immediately respond to her requests.

As the school year ends, district officials say a final decision on Sakir’s status will come after the year concludes; it remains unclear whether the student who brought the gun faced any discipline.