<p>Hi, recently I was suspended for five days under a zero-tolerance fighting rule. However, I didn't start the fight and I utilised self defense. I know it was a bad decision, but I did what I thought was reasonable at the time because I didn't want to go home with a black eye. It should be a basic right to defend yourself against someone. After a few weeks, I got a chance to talk to the vice-principal. He acknowledged it was mainly due to self defense that I would fight back. However, it is on my records for fighting. What I'm worried about is: </p>
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<li><p>Will this incident show up on my applications to college? He said the records would only stay with the school, but I'm curious if any ivy league colleges would gain a copy of this record.</p></li>
<li><p>If somehow they were to know about this suspension, how would self defense look in their eyes ?</p></li>
<li><p>Is there some way to erase the suspension?</p></li>
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<p>Adcoms are well aware that many hs have zero tolerance policies. First, on the CA it will ask you about any disciplinary actions. Then, it’s also on the GC form. So, closer to app dates, see what the GC intends to do. It’s a serious problem to report “no,” then have the GC contradict.</p>
<p>You are expected to honestly answer but many hs do not report certain infractions. (Though 5 days is pretty severe.) The CA asks for a separate explanation from you. Explain briefly and intelligently, show some remorse. If, other than this, you are a good kid, teachers and the GC like you and will write about your positives, etc, likely you are fine. Yes, even at an Ivy.</p>
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<li><p>The fact that you were suspended will be reported to virtually all schools you’re applying to because they ask both you and your counselor about it. You will have the opportunity to provide an explanation. Focusing on what you’ve learned from the experience is generally helpful.</p></li>
<li><p>This doesn’t sound like it’ll be a deal-breaker in that (1) it’s not academic malpractice, (2) you didn’t start the fight, and (3) you do have a legal right to self defense.</p></li>
<li><p>Discuss this with your school’s administration. Many schools will erase a fluke suspension if your behavior has been otherwise good and no further incidents have occurred. This would then not need to be reported because it no longer exists (much like a dismissed traffic ticket, as far as the law is concerned, never happened).</p></li>
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<p>“I didn’t start the fight and I utilised self defense. I know it was a bad decision . . .”</p>
<p>It was the correct and morally right decision. Every human being has the right to self-defense. The only question of morality relates to proportionality. Did you use more force than was necessary to prevent harm? If the answer is no, than you have nothing to be remorseful about.</p>
<p>You have been given good advice, but this is all for if you can’t get the suspension wiped off your record. I strongly encourage you to fight this decision with everything you have; if you need to bring in a lawyer, do it. You did the right thing in this situation, and you should not be punished for it.</p>