News

Actions

Detroit 8th grader faces expulsion after helping student choked by teacher

Posted at 6:35 PM, May 24, 2017
and last updated 2017-05-24 18:35:37-04

The mother of a Detroit middle school student said her son is facing possible expulsion for trying to help another student who was being choked by a teacher. 

The alleged incident happened late in the school day Monday Dossin Elementary Middle School in Northwest Detroit. 

"My son grabbed the teacher's shirt to try to pull him off of the child," LaSonya Beaver told 7 Action News.

The 13-year-old eighth grader told his mother the student was gasping for air and he had to do something. Beaver said her son told her other administrators were around no one intervened.

The alleged incident happened in a hallway outside a classroom, according to Beaver.

The school's principal did not return our call, but a spokesperson said the Detroit Public Schools Community District is investigating, released this statement:

Detroit Public Schools Community District will not tolerate violent behavior towards students or staff. We are investigating the alleged incident and will swiftly administer the appropriate discipline.

Beaver has written an open letter to the district, school board and even Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley while she awaits a decision on possible discipline for her son.

She said his attempt to help a student was the right thing to do and what the teacher did was wrong.

"He's going to look like an aggressor and before I let them label my child and make him a statistic, I will fight all the way to the Board of Education," Beaver said.  "I will call (Betsy) DeVos if I have to, to make sure he is given a fair opportunity for an education as everyone else."