A story about a Michigan mother seeking justice for her son after his school punished him for safely handling a gun situation to potentially stop a horrific incident from happening is going viral.
According to WILX 10, Savtira McClurkin said her 11-year-old son, Sakir Everett, spotted a loaded gun his classmate brought into Dwight Rich School of the Arts. He disassembled the weapon, but instead of being praised by the school’s staff for possibly saving lives, he was expelled from school.
11-year-old Sakir Everett said his classmate brought a loaded gun to school
Everett told his mom that his friend revealed the gun to him inside the bathroom before handing it over for him to hold, according to The Grio. He was shocked, but since he had experience with firearms from hunting, Everett field-stripped the firearm and threw the bullets away so it couldn’t be used.
Instead of immediately telling his teacher or another adult at the school, Everett waited to disclose what happened later on that day. Ever since the decision to remove the 11-year-old from school was made in May, his mother has been trying to contact the school district to have it reversed.
“I’m frustrated. I’m at my wits’ end. I don’t know what to do,” she told WILX 10.
McClurkin attended the Lansing School Board’s meeting on September 18. She demanded a response to the situation, adding that her son has never gotten into trouble in school.
“He’s 11 years old. Seventh grade. Never been in trouble before,” McClurkin said.
The school defended its decision to expel the 11-year-old for disarming his classmate’s loaded gun
As WILX 10, reported, a spokesperson for the Lansing School District sent the news station a statement defending their decision to remove Everett from school, without disclosing whether there were consequences for the student who allegedly brought the gun to school.
“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 Lansing School District’s statement began. “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,” it added.
The statement concluded by noting that the actions taken to ensure the safety of the students attending Dwight Rich School: “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.”
Feeling helpless, McClurkin hopes there’s a way her son can get back into a credible school in the area and continue his education.
“It’s devastating because he’s a bright kid and all he wants to do is be a kid,” she said.
