My school says I cannot graduate because of an Instagram post!

Hey Rosie,

I am a 17-year-old fifth form student of a particular secondary school. I received a letter from the school some weeks ago saying that I would not be able to graduate, so my guardian went with me to a meeting that was held, and they said the reason I did not meet the criteria for graduation was my conduct.{{more}}

I could not believe this, because I never got suspended or disrespected any teacher or anyone in authority; so I asked how come that’s possible? To my great disbelief, they pulled out a picture that I had posted on social media some months ago with me and my boyfriend kissing. I was not in school uniform, neither was it a school day and I had removed the picture within the same week I posted it on Instagram, because I realized that should not be the behaviour of any decent young lady; but maybe someone who disliked me screenshot the picture and showed a dean.

So, I was wondering if a picture like that had anything to do with my school life or me not being able to graduate, when my peers of the same school have pictures like that posted on social media in uniform or in even worse positions than me and they were not penalized and are given the privilege to graduate.

I feel so mistreated and inferior. I disappointed everyone who was looking up to me and looking forward to attending my graduation. I am the fifth of six children and would have been the first one to graduate from secondary school.

Hello Frustrated,

Now, I know I am going to catch some heat for this, but I have to say that with all of the major dysfunctional actions that we read and witness in our everyday life, this issue seems so trivial to me that the punishment doesn’t seem to fit the “crime”.

Granted it was a very poor judgment call to post a picture of you and your boyfriend kissing on social media. We always have to be very careful what we say and what pictures we post on social media. Even when you take it down, it never really goes away. So, it’s clear to say you have learned a HUGE life lesson – also remember some colleges and jobs ask to see your posts on social media feeds as well.

However, having said all that, this is a bit overboard. My question to you is does your school have a list of rules with regard to behaviour at school, in public and on social media? If so, then you violated those rules and got caught, so you have to pay the consequences. But if not, I again think this was not a fair decision. I am happy that your guardian went to the school to advocate on your behalf. Maybe you can write a heartfelt letter of apology to the school and have a couple of letters, maybe from your minister and other supporters, asking them to revisit this decision and give you the opportunity to graduate with your class?

I really do wish you the very best. Also I KNOW you are going to do very well with your CXC exams; positive thoughts and movements from here on out!

Rosie

Send questions to Rosie at: heyrosie24@yahoo.com

or PO Box 152, Kingstown, St Vincent & the Grenadines