Expulsion hearing moved to hold crowd

An expulsion hearing for a Columbia Falls High School junior who inadvertently brought a gun to school has been moved.

Originally slated for 6 p.m. tonight at the district’s board meeting room, the hearing for Demari DeReu has been moved to Glacier Gateway Elementary’s multipurpose gym, 440 Fourth Ave. W., Columbia Falls. The time has not changed.

According to a memo from the district office, the location change “was made to accommodate the expected public participation.”

DeReu’s case has drawn wide attention. She was suspended Dec. 1 after telling school officials about the unloaded hunting rifle she had forgotten to remove from the trunk of her car.

School policy says students who bring guns to school, for whatever reason, face immediate suspension and an expulsion hearing. Superintendent Michael Nicosia has said he never intended to recommend expulsion in DeReu’s case.

Expulsion hearings take place before the board of trustees and are generally closed to the public, unless the student involved chooses to waive his or her right to privacy.