Student outcry over MPS school using 'inappropriate item' to describe loaded gun found in classroom

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Outside the Milwaukee School of Languages Tuesday, a crossing guard whistled loudly to alert drivers as students crossed W. Burleigh St. Students and parents here are upset about actions and alerts that didn't happen last week when a student brought a loaded gun to the school.

Both Milwaukee police and Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) confirmed the incident happened last Thursday afternoon. Police said a 13-year-old girl was arrested in possession of a gun, and an MPS spokesperson later confirmed the weapon was loaded.

Robert Ramos, an 8th grader at the school, said he began hearing students talking about someone being caught with a gun in a classroom around 12:30 p.m. Thursday, right after sixth period. However, Ramos said the school did not notify students about the incident and he still wasn't sure what exactly happened when he walked through a hallway and saw police later in the day.

"I just saw them searching that class, taking pictures of the class outside and the number of the class," Ramos said. "And I just saw the principal with them."

Ramos said the school should've put stricter measures in place to control student movement. He was surprised there was no activation of the school's emergency protocols.

"The school should've let us know and at least called a code yellow or a code red saying there's something going on at school, everybody please remain in class," he said. "But those safety measures and procedures weren't taken."

Ramos said he and other students also took issue with the initial communication the school sent to families Thursday. An email from Principal Juan Baez read, "Dear MSL Families, Today, our staff responded to a report of an inappropriate item found inside the school. They reacted quickly and contacted the Milwaukee Police Department."

"It could've been from a whoopie cushion to a handgun, a vape. It could've been anything else," Ramos said. "But they never said a handgun, right? So, most parents were mad."

Ramos shared a second email families received Friday. This one used the term "loaded gun" to describe the incident and assured parents no shots were fired, and no one was hurt. 

Ramos said he met with Baez Tuesday afternoon and described it as a good meeting. He said he was hopeful MPS will ensure all school leaders follow a consistent protocol for informing students and families, should similar incidents happen in the future.

Police said they referred the case to the district attorney's office for possible charges. A spokesperson at the district attorney's office referred questions to the Milwaukee County Children's Court, citing the student's age.

A spokesperson for MPS said Tuesday the district was listening to students' concerns about how the incident was initially handled. 

"This continues to be investigated and MPS has conducted several meetings as we continue to address the safety procedures from that day," the MPS statement read. "We have provided additional security to the school, met with students and staff."

CBS 58 is not identifying the teen suspect because of her age. However, a review of her social media revealed one video showing a handgun in a person's hand with a caption reading, "I [ain't] playing." Ramos said he grew up with the girl, who is in 7th grade. He said she'd been dealing with bullying and hoped she'd get help following the incident.

"If you need help, seek for help, and don't just stay quiet because you're going through something at home, something at school," Ramos said. "Reach out to an adult or someone that is a trusted person."