The Rock Hill, SC School District expelled Eric Chandler Helms (age 16) in February 2017, because a pocket knife was found in the bed of his pickup truck parked on school grounds.  Eric had used the pocket knife in January 2017, while doing some outside chores, and accidentally left the knife in the bed of the truck.

The knife was found by a staff member of the school and Eric was immediately suspended for 5 days.  His mother was called and told a hearing would be set up, to determine what further disciplinary action would take place.  The hearing date was set for a week later, and Eric and his family were given no additional information.  At the hearing, Eric and his mother pleaded his innocence and explained the incidence was an accident.  They explained Eric was not aware the knife was in the bed of his truck, and he had no intention of harming anyone at the school.  Despite the fact Eric had no prior disciplinary offenses; he was expelled from Northwestern High School for the remainder of the 2016/2017 school year. 

Not only can he not complete his Junior Year at Northwestern, but because of the expulsion, he cannot enroll in any other high school in the state of SC.   Eric is being denied his right to an education, because he didn’t realize there was a pocket knife in the back of his truck.  This is an outrage. 

If you agree this harsh punishment doesn’t fit the crime, join me by signing this petition asking the Rock Hill School District to reverse the expulsion of Eric Chandler Helms.