Help with accusations of cheating?

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

<p>Hello, and please forgive me for possibly posting this in the wrong forum beforehand.</p>

<p>Recently, at my relatively large, decently reputed, and mildly competitive high school, the students of our junior and senior classes have taken it upon themselves to actively attempt to destroy the reputations of top students in the class - in what seems to be an ambitious attempt to achieve through others' failure - by means of accusations of academic dishonesty.</p>

<p>Now normally, this kind of vicious animosity among students might be dismissed as being an inescapable aspect of the academic world. But here at our school, it has steadily transcended mere competition, and instead become a menagerie of wild accusations (without any evidence whatsoever, mind you) reminiscent of Arthur Miller's "The Crucible."</p>

<p>But here's the part where I desperately need some advice:</p>

<p>At first, I was aware of the fact that other students were attempting to undermine my achievements. It seemed a little suspicious, I suppose, that I rose from the bottom ranks during freshman year to become one of the highest ranked in the class (Although this was simply due to my laziness long ago, a fact that these students continue to ignore). So, convinced that the only way to accomplish this was through dishonest means, they formed a group that began going to teachers and convincing them of my - as well as a few unfortunate others' - alleged crimes. And the worst part is, they believed it!</p>

<p>Without any evidence, the teachers are convinced that we are guilty, without even so much as giving us a chance to defend ourselves. They have organized and agreed to deny us recommendation letters, bar us from student organizations, and potentially grade our classwork harsher than the rest. Our academic reputations are quite literally at stake here.</p>

<p>So my question here is, what should I do? I can't talk to the teachers, since all of their plotting is supposed to be secret, and it was decided that we, the accused, not be informed. The students are unreasonable, illogical, and hypocritical as well, so negotiation is out. I feel powerless here. It seems like there's nothing I can do to save myself.</p>

<p>Please help?</p>

2

<p>"a menagerie of wild accusations (without any evidence whatsoever, mind you) reminiscent of Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible.”</p>

<p>Nice reference. </p>

<p>As to your problems, that sounds horrifying. However, you cannot sit idly by. Talk to your top students. I’m assuming this is general knowledge in the school. </p>

<p>You have to talk to your guidance counselor, principal, superintendent, or parents at least (I would pick whoever you trust most, or know to be most reasonable). If you know this is a fact, there is no sense in not confronting the issue even if the teachers are trying to keep their collaborations unknown.</p>

<p>This also sounds ridiculous, to be honest. That sounds just like McCarthyism.</p>

3

<p>Get your parents into this and talk to school officials, move to another school. prove that you aren’t cheating in some way. Like instead of taking a multiple choice, present lessons to the teacher or something. Those things you can’t cheat on.</p>

4

<p>they can’t accuse you if they’re dead know what i’m saying?</p>

<p>not serious. in all honesty, just go straight to the teachers in my opinion. be honest, have a discussion with them. tell them you’re willing to do whatever it takes to clear your name, be it testing under more stringent supervision, extra homework, whatever. take steps to clear your name. once your name is cleared, your teachers will have that much more respect for you, especially if you handle the whole situation in an honest, mature way. every problem is an opportunity.</p>

5

<p>one word: parents</p>