Should I report this?

[Student123]

I am a junior in high school. Today, I got in a bit of trouble at school. Whilst speaking with a group of my friends, I "back-talked" my school Vice-Principal. He entered a fit of rage. He began screaming at me, commanding me to go to his office.

I was standing. I said that I would go. I set down my drink, turned around, and began walking toward his office. He then came up behind me and clamped his hand down around the back of my neck, utilizing the pressure points, with the intent of causing pain. With a strong grip the entire time, he walked me all the way back to his office.

In a separate act of violence, during the same incident, he commanded that my friend go to his office. My friend said "What? Are you kidding me?" My Vice-Principal responded by becoming infuriated, yelling, "What did you just say!?", as he put his arm on his shoulder and shoved him.

According to the answers to another question about this incident, the aforementioned acts would be considered assault. My friend and I are considering whether or not we should speak with the school's counseling office. What if this backfires? Could the Vice-Principal retaliate? What would be the best-case scenario?

[Ebeth]

Yes, you should report this. Regardless of what your behavior was at the time, unless you were threatening to cause harm to a staff member or another student, nobody has the right to put their hands on you. Definitely talk to the Counselor. Have you thought about having a family member talk to the Principal or Superintendent?

[Student123]

I should mention that I attend a private school.

I am reluctant to tell my parents because they do not know about why I was in trouble in the first place. (Hurling a ceramic pot I made off a bridge on school property - he made a federal case out of it.)

The reason my friend and I are reluctant to talk to a counselor is because we are afraid that we could be accused of making a false accusation (even though we have 5+ witnesses), and because our report may get back to the administrator in question, who might inflict retribution.

[Boxcar]

You would be right to report it. To be honest, I don't think it would go anywhere. Witnesses or not, it probably won't have the impact you'd desire. However, wouldn't be overreacting or anything. No one should be able to make you feel unsafe or harm you. Unfortuantely, it isn't always that clear cut.

What it comes down to is this:

Are you willing to take the risk of reporting it? How does having your parents find out balance against the benefits of speaking to the counselor? If nothing comes of it, would you regret speaking to someone? I can't tell you what to do. All I can say is that you need to consider the weights. I'm trying to be frank with you here. There story of your behaviour will be told to your parents. The VP might be able to falsely accuse you of things in the future. You'd have to be on gaurd to be good and out of situations where you might be assumed guilty.

Like I said, I can't tell you what to do. It is your call. Personally, I probably would just let it go... However, that is just me. Good luck. Let us know what you choose.

[MissTeach]

I have to agree with Boxcar. You need to weigh the consequences of reporting this incident. Your parents would be told about the ceramic pot incident as well as the talking back. It would be a risk.

[Ebeth]

I still think that nobody has the right to put their hands on you. If it goes unreported, the VP will think it is okay to do it in the future.

[Spectre]

I still think that nobody has the right to put their hands on you. If it goes unreported, the VP will think it is okay to do it in the future.

I would have to agree, totally.

Sounds as though this person could have anger management issues; he could hurt someone, I mean REALLY hurt someone, if he is allowed to continue doing as he did.:angry2:

[EHE]

Yes, report it. My dad is a guidance counselor, and if you wish for it to be kept confidential, it will be. Guidance counselors are allowed to tell if they think someone may be in danger, or if there is a problem, but this probably won't backfire. You are allowed to tell them your opinions anyway, so it couldn't hurt. Hope it works out for you! :waving:

[Boxcar]

I think it is great that your dad doesn't tell the stuff students tell him. In my experiences, this hasn't been the case... Tell him to keep up the good work because students need to have someone they can count on!

[MissTeach]

In my experience, if that many students saw the incident and it happened as you say, then someone else will report the incident. If it was that bad, the students will be talking and at least one will talk to the administration.

[Boxcar]

You are probably right about that. I'm sure someone will report it. If it isn't another student, it will be a teacher who overhears the story from students.

[AtoZ]

My advice would be to tell at least someone (a counselor, a teacher you trust,...).

Not saying anything gives power to the person doing something he/she is not supposed to. Think of bullies in elementary or middle school (or even high school)... if you don't say anything, the behavior just continues. Maybe it won't happen to you again, but it will to someone else.

Now, considering that you did earn a visit to the office, I'd start the conversation with "this is what I did.." Take responsibility for your actions, and be as honest as possible (mention each roll of the eyes and body language that may have irritated the VP). Then describe what he did.
If you fess up to what you did, then there's nothing that can be used to discredit your claim. Also, the complete honesty tells the listener that you understand why an adult may have gotten irritated, but that you also know when the line was crossed.

Something to keep in mind: whether you report the behavior or not, there's a chance for your parents to find out what you did.