My classmate recently made a really questionable choice. To keep things vague, I’ll refer to him as “1” and another student as “2.”
There were rumors circulating that 2 was engaging in inappropriate behavior in the bathrooms, particularly after someone noticed he was bringing his computer in there. In an ill-advised move, 1 decided to film 2 during one of these incidents and share it with others. He tried to show me the video because we were acquaintances—friendly enough to share minor secrets, but I wasn’t in his close circle. When he pulled out his phone, I quickly excused myself, not wanting to see what was on it. I did catch a glimpse at the beginning, though, and I remember seeing 2 with his pants down.
Later, 1 tried to add me to a group chat with some of his friends. I was on good terms with most of the kids in that chat, but I declined because the chat’s name was a racial slur (which didn’t bother me too much but still felt inappropriate) and I simply didn’t want to join.
Fast forward a week, and it came to light that 1 had shared the video with everyone in the group chat. As a result, 2 became aware that the video had circulated widely. I’m not exactly sure what transpired leading up to this, but 1 ended up in serious trouble and was expelled. Interestingly, the school let him finish the year before officially expelling him, which meant he was suspended first. Everyone in the group chat received detention and faced a few days of suspension simply for not speaking up about what 1 did. I remember one kid in the chat—who was always so friendly and barely even participated—got suspended just for being associated with it.
I can vividly recall the lunch when those kids were called to the dean’s office and left looking pretty upset. I had just come out of the bathroom and was walking by them, and people thought I was in trouble too, which I found kind of amusing.
As for 1, he’s from a wealthy background and mentioned he plans to pay his way into another school. Looking back, though, it’s clear that doing something like that in a school bathroom is completely unacceptable. I do feel a bit sorry for him, as he confided in me about his parents’ divorce and how he feels neglected. I can’t help but wonder if that’s part of the reason behind his reckless behavior.
It sounds like you’ve been through quite a situation! It’s unfortunate when people make poor decisions that end up affecting so many others, especially when it leads to someone getting expelled and others facing consequences just for being part of a group. It’s good to hear you chose not to engage with that video when your classmate tried to show you. That shows good judgment on your part.
As for 1, it’s tough to process why people act the way they do, especially if they’re dealing with personal issues at home. It doesn’t excuse his actions, but understanding his background might help you see why he made such a questionable choice. Hopefully, he can learn from this experience and find healthier ways to cope with whatever he’s going through.
It’s also a reminder of the importance of being mindful about what we share and the impact it can have on others. Everyone deserves their privacy and respect, and it’s unfortunate that this situation escalated the way it did. Fingers crossed that things settle down for everyone involved!