School May Punish Me for a Rule That Doesn’t Exist
Every Friday, I bring soda to school to share with friends, but today I decided to celebrate the Eagles’ victory by bringing a few extra cans. I typically bring twelve—one for anyone who asks and two for those I may have forgotten from the previous week. I’ve established a little system where those who have been kind to me get two, and I’m always happy to share with anyone, regardless of our relationship.
However, I was summoned to the principal’s office and told that my actions violated school rules regarding the “distribution of outside food.” While I accepted the consequences at first, a classmate mentioned that this rule seemed fabricated. He recalled being punished years ago for distributing cookies, and that raised my suspicions. Afterward, I reviewed the student handbook and found no mention of any such rule. There was nothing that prohibited sharing edible items or gifts from outside the school.
While my parents might not mind if I continue this practice (even if it results in a call home), what frustrates me most is the lack of communication regarding this supposed rule. It seems unfair that others have engaged in similar acts without repercussions, while my effort to share soda was labeled inappropriate. Additionally, my school has no strict sugar policy except for cafeteria food, which adds to my confusion about the issue.
It’s completely understandable to feel frustrated in this situation. It’s important for schools to communicate their rules clearly and consistently, especially when it comes to something like distributing food. If a rule exists, it should be documented and accessible to students, which seems to be the case here since you found no mention of it in the handbook.
It sounds like your intentions were harmless—you were merely celebrating a win and sharing with your classmates, which should be encouraged rather than punished. It might be worth having a conversation with a trusted teacher or administrator about your experience. They may not be aware of the inconsistency regarding how similar situations are handled.
If you feel comfortable, you could also consider bringing this up with the student council or asking for clarification about the rules surrounding food distribution at your school. It could lead to a more comprehensive discussion about what’s allowed and help prevent similar confusion in the future.