Family claims Virginia 6th grader suspended for failing to promptly report classmate with bullet

The family of an 11-year-old boy in Virginia Beach, Virginia, said he was suspended from St. John the Apostle Catholic School for not immediately reporting that another student brought a bullet to class. The incident occurred before a standardized test when a student showed the boy the bullet, who then waited about two hours before telling the principal. The school called the police, found the bullet, and suspended the student who brought it for two days. However, the boy who reported it also received a two-day suspension, which his family and attorney found unfair and not a punishable violation. The school defended its actions, stating that timely reporting is crucial for school safety and a culture of safety requires quick reporting of potential threats. The boy’s mother expressed concern over the handling of the situation, stating her son wanted to remain anonymous but is now worried about being labeled a snitch. The family’s attorney is calling for an apology and the removal of the suspension from the boy’s record. The mother emphasized the importance of training students on reporting suspicious activities and believes her son did the right thing by speaking up. The superintendent of Catholic schools stressed the importance of student safety in such situations.

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