Was I wrong for emailing my school about suspensions being given without hearing students first?
Throwaway account
I’m in gymnasium/middle school. Earlier this year I got into trouble a LOT. Like using my phone in class, leaving class without permission, arguing sometimes, dumb stuff like that. I’m not gonna sit here and pretend I was innocent because I definitely wasn’t. I built a bad reputation for myself and I fully understand why teachers see me as a “problem student.”
But during the last like 4 months I actually calmed down a lot. I only got 1 report recently and that was because I left class without permission after a teacher wouldn’t let me go toilet even tho it was an emergency. So I’m not constantly causing problems anymore.
The thing that made me send the email happened some time ago. During break I accidentally hit a teacher with a ball. The break had literally just ended maybe like 30 seconds before. Obv I panicked because I knew I was screwed, and at first I kinda tried to play dumb instead of immediately explaining myself properly which was stupid from me. The teacher later said I didn’t even apologize, but I actually did apologize after and tried explaining it was an accident.
What bothered me was that I got a 2 day suspension without really being called in and heard first. Nobody properly asked for my side before deciding the punishment. My issue was NEVER “I should get away with it.” I completely understand why it looked bad. My point was just that intent/context mattered and nobody seemed interested in hearing it.
So recently I wrote a formal email to the school basically saying students should be heard before serious suspensions are given, especially in situations involving misunderstandings or accidents. I mentioned constitutional/fair hearing stuff and procedure. I didn’t name any teacher specifically or insult anyone.
This was basically the email (I removed identifying details obv):
“Through this letter, I would like to express serious concern regarding the manner in which disciplinary measures, specifically suspensions, are imposed on students without prior meaningful hearing or proper investigation of the incidents.
According to Article 30(2):
‘Every person is entitled to a fair hearing…’
Furthermore, the principle of the right to be heard is a core principle of administrative justice and due process. Imposing a suspension without giving the student the opportunity to present their position, explain the facts, or respond to allegations raises serious concerns regarding procedural legality and fair treatment.
Disciplinary consequences in schools should serve an educational purpose rather than an arbitrarily punitive one.
It has been repeatedly observed that suspensions are imposed without:
prior discussion with all students involved,
examination of all sides of the incident,
providing the right to explanation or defense,
or following an objective investigative process.”
Then I asked for clarification on the procedure before suspensions are given.
After they read it I got called into a meeting during break. There were like 12 teachers/admin there. And honestly instead of discussing the actual point I raised, the meeting mostly became them bringing up my past behavior from months ago.
Every time I tried explaining that my point was specifically about MORE serious situations where intent matters, they’d interrupt me or say stuff like:
“We don’t have time to discuss every report.”
“You’re immature.”
“Call his parents.”
making sarcastic jokes when I mentioned laws/procedure like “haha laws”
commenting about how I still struggle with the language even tho I’ve lived here for years
At one point I genuinely felt like they had already decided I was wrong because of my reputation and weren’t actually listening to what I was trying to say.
And to be fair to them, I understand schools can’t do a whole investigation every time someone takes out a phone in class or breaks a simple rule. I even AGREED with that in the meeting. My point was specifically about more serious punishments and situations where intention/context matter.
I also understand why teachers may trust reports less when it comes from a student with a history like mine. I genuinely get that. But I still feel like students should at least get a chance to explain themselves before getting suspended for multiple days.
So idk:
Was I wrong for sending the email?
Did the teachers handle this badly too?
Was I being too legalistic/dramatic?
Is this normal in schools?
What would u do in my position?
I genuinely want honest opinions even if people think I’m wrong.