10-Year-Old Was Kicked Out of School for a Year Over Finger Gun Gesture

A mother opened up to ProPublica about her son’s year-long expulsion from a school in Tennessee over a finger gun gesture.

At a Glance

A 10-year-old boy named Lee was expelled from his Tennessee school for a year after pointing his finger in the shape of a gun.
A 2023 state law mandates a year-long expulsion for any student who threatens mass violence on school property.
The assistant director of schools declined to comment on the case.
Lee’s mother is concerned that his expulsion has led to significant emotional and educational setbacks for him.

A Year-Long Expulsion for a Finger Gun Gesture

A 10-year-old boy named Lee was expelled from his Tennessee school for a year after pointing his finger in the shape of a gun and making mock “machine gun” noises, according to a ProPublica investigation. The expulsion occurred due to a 2023 Tennessee state law that mandates a year-long expulsion for any student who threatens mass violence on school property.

Lee’s mother, Belle, was shocked by the severity of the punishment, especially since Lee had no history of serious misbehavior. Despite the assistant director of schools declining to comment on the case, Belle shared her deep concerns about her child falling behind in his learning and social development due to the expulsion.

A 10-year-old in Tennessee was barred from school for a year after pointing a finger gun. His mom worries that the minor mistake could derail his future.

“He’s kind of turned into a little bit of a recluse. He doesn’t want to go back to school.”https://t.co/r8ifFyeKSr

— ProPublica (@propublica) August 25, 2024

The Law Behind the Expulsion

The 2023 state law mandating the year-long expulsion was enacted following a school shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville. School officials justify stringent measures by taking any threat, credible or not, very seriously to prevent potential mass violence.

State Sen. Jon Lundberg, who co-sponsored the legislation, spoke after the law was implemented, saying, “What we’re really doing is sending a message that says ‘Hey, this is not a joke, this is not a joking matter, so don’t do this.’”

Lee’s expulsion is one of many that have happened under the new law, which has led to increased expulsions for threats, even when these threats were deemed not credible.

Emotional and Educational Setbacks

Lee’s mother has expressed concerns that his expulsion caused significant emotional and educational setbacks for him. She stated, “It is pulling teeth every single day,” as she struggled to keep him on track with his education. Some students expelled under the law have reportedly struggled to receive any education, with some resorting to homeschooling or online programs. Belle chose to homeschool Lee rather than appealing the expulsion.

Despite efforts, Belle is still deeply concerned about her son’s future and the potential for further issues. Lee’s case illuminates the complex balance schools must strike between ensuring safety and fostering a supportive educational environment. “I regret that it has come to this,” the principal wrote in a letter.