Bullied teen expelled for using stun gun

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INDIANAPOLIS, May 8 (UPI) -- An Indianapolis teen who was bullied at school was expelled for bringing in a stun gun to protect himself, officials say.

Darnell Young, 17, found out Monday he was expelled until Jan. 7, 2013, missing the rest of his junior year and the beginning of his senior year.

"I couldn't believe they did it," said Young's mother, Chelisa Grimes. "They really kicked him out."

Young was suspended pending expulsion April 16 after raising the stun gun in the air and firing it to scare away six kids who threatened to beat him up.

Young, who is openly gay, has dealt with bullying throughout the school year. Other students would throw rocks at him on his way home from school, beat him up and call him names. Grimes said her son complained to the school a number of times, but staff members told him he drew attention to himself by wearing jewelry and carrying purses. Grimes said she gave him the stun gun so he could protect himself.

Grimes told the Indianapolis Star they are weighing their options. They can appeal the expulsion to the Indianapolis Public Schools board, but Young said he plans on getting his GED and going to college.