<p>Hello CC, I have recently been suspended by my school for "cyberbullying". Here is the story:
I created a Facebook account of my African-American friend as a joke. After the account was created, somebody else posted on his status that he was not the maker of the fake account. This led to various hateful (racial) comments to be posted on this guy's status. Most of these commenters were "trolls" that just used the n-word because they had the opportunity to. The AA friend of mine reported the "trolls" to the office and I ended up being the one serving the worst punishment (suspension). After my friend discovered it was me, he was surprised that I was caught because he only intended the people that posted the racist comments to get caught. Anyways, if this is reported on the final report to colleges (which I bet it will) and I explain myself and apologize...do you think they will rescind my acceptance?</p>
<p>I mean my offense was not as severe as taking illegal drugs or driving while drunk (the usual cause of rescinded acceptances). If Facebook was contacted about this, I bet they would have just deleted the fake account with no further action. My Counselor, on the other hand, decided to pursue this to the furthest extent and suspend me. The kids that posted the racial comments got a less severe punishment.</p>
<p>Btw, I have already received likelies from colleges. And if somebody from my school reads this, you probably know who this is. haha.</p>
<p>If all else fails, I will attend my state school, which does not care as much about suspensions ;(</p>
<p>You’ll need to write an explanation to the colleges, and also have your friend write an explanation. If your school – in their explanation – indicates that your friend is the person who reported you, more than likely the colleges will realize that you were not trying to cyberbully, and I doubt that you’ll be rescinded. Otherwise, I think that the odds are very high that you would be rescinded.</p>
<p>Thanks Northstarmom,
I have a feeling that the kid would be willing to write a letter. The thing is, I’m worried if colleges would just disregard reading the letter and just rescind because a suspension is a suspension.</p>
<p>Would I be the one sending the letters in, or my GLC?</p>
<p>Your GC would have to report a suspension to the college that you decided to attend. The GC report would be sent with your final transcript. The college also will ask you to write a letter of explanation. </p>
<p>You would be wise to – after you get your acceptances – contact the colleges you’re seriously considering or the college that you plan to go to – tell them about your situation, and enclose a letter from your friend. </p>
<p>Ivies and similar schools take a lot of time assessing students, and would look carefully at a situation like yours. This probably also would include calling your GC to find out if the student who wrote the letter of support really was the student who complained. The college also may contact that student directly in order to make sure that you weren’t forging a letter to try to get yourself off the hook.</p>
<p>I don’t think it wise for you to continue to air this private matter in a public forum. You’ve provided enough details so someone close to the situation can easily identify who you are. That’s unlikely to help your cause.</p>
<p>I encourage you to discuss the matter with your GC.</p>
<p>He has to talk to his counselor because when the GC sends the student’s final transcript to the college the OP selected, his counselor will have to tell the colleges about the suspension.</p>
<p>Not all suspensions are reportable to colleges. At a school I know of, if the suspension is 3 days or more, it must be reported by the school. If it is less it does not have to be reported. Of course the college applications ask about disciplinary actions taken against you, and you are honor bound to report it. You need to find out what the facts are around the schools reporting policies, and you need to get a caring adult in your corner to figure out best options.</p>