I'm in so much trouble?!?! *PLEASE read*?

[Gemi]

If this is New York State then they are infringing on your privacy rights along with harassing you. You need to contact an attorney immediately. Your suspension *was* "punishment" for your behavior; it's a state-mandated punishment. Because your level of "bullying" wasn't considered to inhibit school safety, (since it was of a verbal and private in nature--seeing as it was between friends), the school's disciplinary actions are extensive and likely illegal. Furthermore, the school discriminated against you because they didn't equally punish your friend (who participated in and shared yours and her private correspondence--further exacerbating the situation).

Also, if you're below the age of 16 (a minor), the newspaper violated your privacy rights by naming you and placing a photograph in the school paper. You should file a libel & slander lawsuit against them. You should also file a lawsuit against your school system. Contact an attorney and demand disciplinary action against your former "friends" in the mean time.

This isn't meant as professional legal advice but I did work for an attorney for several years and have dealt with similar cases (not to mention I had my own experience at the age of 15 for defending myself in a school fight--and it resulted in massive lawsuits against the school for discrimination, libel, and violation of my youthful and civil rights).

As for leaving the school, etc...this will blow over within a year. If you don't want to deal with it, see if your family owns any property (or a company where they pay taxes) in another school district so that you can transfer. If they don't pay taxes in another school district, you'll have to pay a tuition to transfer.

Either way, you need to contact an attorney and you need to point out the hypocrisy of the situation by the school's failure to discipline the 3 other culprits. Good luck