Last Updated on June 17, 2026 by Michelle Ball

I often defend students who allegedly do wrong in school settings, trying to get rid of or minimize an expulsion recommendation or remove a suspension. When a dangerous object or knife is brought on a school campus, it is a serious offense. However, reasonable expulsion resolutions can often be reached as the object was not used to harm anyone.

Other times, student situations make it difficult to help, such as in the case of a knife (or other weapon) being put into action.

ALL Weapons Should Stay at Home

No matter how good a student is, the mere fact they bring a knife, gun, or other weapon to school gives someone the opportunity to use that weapon. There may be no intent to use it, but in the heat of the moment, people stop thinking clearly and rationally. And, a knife or gun can be pulled out and used.

I am here to defend students when they make mistakes, but it is important sometimes to remember WHY schools ban weapons in the first place.

Ultimately, the reason weapons are banned at schools is that they could hurt someone, intentionally or not. Similar to a road rage situation, where a normal nice person suddenly runs their car into someone in a fit of anger; a normally calm great student, may suddenly get mad, pull the weapon out and use it. If a knife was not there in the first place, it could not have been used, but if it is there, it might be.

Students facing expulsion often explain they “needed” a knife “for protection,” as they were bullied and no one helped. They are not wrong that someone should have helped if they were being bullied, and I do understand this perspective. However, regardless, this is just the wrong way to address it as it can lead to expulsion or worse. It is far better to get an attorney involved to address bullying, than to let a student fester and resort to weapons.

Students with weapons, if caught, can get suspended, expelled or even arrested. Or, worse things can happen.

The Unnecessary Killing of Jayden Pienta

In 2023, a 15 year old student killed Jayden Pienta, 16, at Montgomery High School in Santa Rosa California. The offending student was reportedly found innocent of felony voluntary manslaughter in his criminal trial as a judge ruled it was self defense. But, he was found guilty of other charges. I presume he was expelled for 1 calendar year. Ultimately, the two students lives were changed forever.

The two families sued and in April 2026 the school district settled the 2 lawsuits for 6.25 million dollars.

However, we lost Jayden Pienta forever. This loss cannot be compensated for by money.

Karmelo Anthony and Austin Metcalf

Another terrible tragedy is the killing of Austin Metcalf by Karmelo Anthony with a knife at a school track meet. Both students were 17 years old. This is a hotly debated matter, and I am not getting into any of that. But the bottom line is that had Karmelo not had access to a weapon at the event, Austin could have been here today. Yes, they may have had a negative interaction, but likely, no one would have been dead! Karmelo and Austin would simply have been recent high school graduates who may have gotten into a fight.

Unfortunately for Karmelo, school expulsion was the least of his worries. This young person has became infamous, being found guilty of murder. He may be in jail for a large part of his life. Had he not had a knife nearby, this may never have occurred. It is truly tragic on both sides and I grieve for both families.

Fortunately, most knife or dangerous object possessions at schools don’t end in harm, but they can end in heavy school discipline.

School Expulsion for Weapons

Expulsions for having a weapon on campus occur frequently. There are many arguments parents can make, but possession at school usually ends up with a kid facing expulsion, due to the potential harm just having weapons on campus can cause.

Do weapons always cause harm? No, but they can. When schools find students possess or use a weapon on campus, it can end in school discipline. Depending on the use alleged (e.g. if a knife is brandished), a student can be expelled for up to 1 calendar year.

Defend Your Child Before They Resort to a Weapon

When it comes to schools, parents shouldn’t sit on the sidelines. If a student is being bullied, written reports need to be filed and follow up done.

If a student is being disciplined for having a knife, dangerous object, explosive, for being in a fight, or otherwise, parents need to take action. Sitting by the sidelines does nothing. Defending a student facing issues and addressing the school situation promptly is critical.

All students matter. They are our literal future. If we don’t teach them not to tear each other apart, to be decent, or how to take effective non-violent action when someone targets them, our society may be lost.

Michelle Ball is a student attorney who has supported students since the 1990s. With over 30 years experience being a lawyer in school and college matters, she has the knowledge to support parents when issues arise in school settings. She assists students across California, including Placer, Sacramento, Stanislaus, Los Angeles, San Diego, Humboldt, and all other counties. It is amazing what can be done from a distance!