Mich. girl, 17, expelled for bringing knife to school

DEARBORN HEIGHTS, Mich. - A Michigan high school honor student has been expelled for bringing a pocket knife to school, reports CBS Detroit.

Atiya Haynes, a 17-year-old senior at Annapolis High School, says she didn't realize she was even carrying the weapon, which was given to her by her grandfather who was concerned for her safety in her Detroit neighborhood, according to the station.

Haynes told CBS Detroit's radio affiliate that she had thrown the 3.25-inch knife into the bottom of her purse, where it remained for months before it was discovered during a search at a Sept. 26 school football game.

"I was really taken aback; like a mix of shock, because I'd forgotten that it was in there," said Haynes. "Honestly, it just left my mind; like about two days after he'd given it to me, it kinda left my mind."

Haynes will reportedly get one chance to appeal her case. She has the backing of the American Civil Liberties Union, and Mark Fancher, her attorney, who says the school board has the discretion to reinstate her if they can prove she didn't know she had the knife with her.

"I don't believe the punishment fits the crime at all," Haynes said. "Even when (the security officer) discovered the pocket knife, and I was shocked about the entire situation, I didn't expect it to go this far whatsoever."

Haynes and her immigrant parents are just hoping the board members believe her so she can return to class and then realize her dream of going to college.

"...To have the opportunities that I've been afforded is like amazing for us," Haynes said. "And for it just to be, you know, cut so short so soon, it would be devastating, traumatic for our family."

The board is expected to rule on the issue Monday evening.