Wild Seven

"Marshall Middle School envisions a welcoming environment that promotes meaningful collaboration between parents, teachers, and other community members," reads the "About Us" section on the Scripps Ranch middle school’s website.

But according to a March 22 San Diego Unified School District press release, another type of collaboration occurred at Thurgood Marshall Middle School on March 18; a troubling collaboration that involved seven middle school students, two pistols, and live ammunition.

The incident unfolded when a Marshall student became aware that weapons were on campus. That student relayed the information to a school administrator who then informed school police. By the end of the day, all seven students were arrested and no one was injured.

"Six students have been suspended with a recommendation for expulsion; one student has been suspended for five days. Two of the seven students arrested were placed in Juvenile Hall," reads a March 22 message that was attached to the press release from school principal Michelle Irwin.

Principal Irwin concluded the message to parents and students by stating: "I’m pleased with how this situation was handled. I’m proud of our students who did the right thing by sharing this information with administrators."

Under San Diego Unified's "zero tolerance policy," the school district automatically recommends expulsion for any students that use, brandish, or sell weapons on school property.

Currently, San Diego Unified police officers are conducting an investigation. Each student faces criminal charges, which will be handled by the district attorney's office.

At time of the press release, the district was not releasing any additional information due to federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act covering juveniles.