INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — An independent arbitrator ruled Monday that an Indiana gay teen will remain expelled from Arsenal Tech High School in Indianapolis until January 7, 2013 for discharging a stun gun on school property to discourage an attack by bullies.
Darnell “Dynasty” Young, 17, carried the stun gun — given to him by his mother — in his backpack for weeks without using it, but on April 16, as he walked between class buildings during a passing period, Young said six students surrounded him, called him names, cursed and threatened to beat him up.
He said he pulled out the stun gun, pointed it in the air and fired it so it would make the noise, causing the students to retreat.
On Monday, Young and his mother, Chelisa Grimes, were informed that the arbitrator who presided over an expulsion hearing last Wednesday decided to expel him until January 7, 2013. Young will not be permitted to complete his junior year and will alos miss the first semester of his senior year.
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“I couldn’t believe that they did it,” Grimes said. “They really kicked him out.”
Grimes and Young can appeal to the Indianapolis Public Schools school board and the courts if necessary, but Grimes said they’re still weighing their options.
The school district issued a statement that read, in part, “While the district does not condone bullying, it also does not allow weapons to be brought on our school campuses for any reason. Students who violate this rule will be held accountable.”
Young said he plans to get his GED and go to college, reported the Indianapolis Star.
Young said he has been overwhelmed by the support he has received.
A rally is planned for May 15, just prior to the Indianapolis Public Schools’ school board meeting, to raise awareness about Young’s case and to pressure the school board to take more steps to prevent bullying.
School Board member Samantha Adair-White has called for an independent investigation into the incident, but she said last week she’s not sure if enough school board members will support her request to proceed.
Grimes and Young can appeal to the Indianapolis Public Schools school board and the courts if necessary, but Grimes said they’re still weighing their options. Young said he plans to get his GED and go to college.