allimom
A Day In The Life

Today in the middle of class, another student blindsided #1 with a smack to the back of his neck and a few other punches. #1 admits fighting back defensively, and the teachers report this also. For defending himself, #1 got suspended for 4 days. Meanwhile the other boy? Had to go have his hand x-rayed because he hit #1 so hard they think he may have broken his hand.

I just don't understand punishing a child for defending him or herself. Is the child just supposed to stand or lay there while one or more other students pummel on them?

We were told that the reason for the suspension for #1 was that "he hit back" when the other student punched him from the back. We were assured by the Vice Principal, and witnessing teachers that #1 did not start the fight and the attack from the other student came unexpectedly. Hubby informed the VP that while we do not condone fighting in school, we 100% support our children defending themselves and not letting someone else beat them black and blue. The VP indicated that this attitude of ours is wrong.

HELLO!?!?! If someone started beating on them, I would bet anything that they don't just stand there without defending themselves. Yet they punish the kids for doing that.

Under normal situations, #1 would walk away from the situation. He was in a place such that he was not able to walk away or get away from the other student, and they punish him.

I just don't get it.