A Virginia Beach sixth-grader reported that a classmate had a bullet, and both were suspended

Virginia sixth grader suspended for revealing a classmate had a bullet.Photo byJay RembertonUnsplash

Student is suspended for doing the right thing

NBC News reports that a Virginia Beach sixth-grader showed a bullet to a classmate just before taking standardized tests. The other boy reported the incident two hours later; authorities were called and found the bullet in the other student's backpack. Both boys were suspended for two days.

Rachael Wigand, the mother of the 11-year-old who reported the incident, said she is proud of her son, who delayed the notification because he wanted to remain anonymous. She says now he might be labeled a snitch.

There could be consequences for suspending both students

The Catholic Diocese over Saint John, the Apostle School ; says the boy waited too long to report the bullet. Wigand and her family believe the school should show the young man they call a hero some grace.

M Lynn, an educator in Southwest Virginia, says he understands the school officials' desire to move quickly and prevent tragedy. He added that an unintended consequence of their approach could be that more children will be less likely to come forward out of concern for being suspended or labeled a snitch.