Speak Up Chapter 11
“The Director of Student Affairs abused her authority to help a relative frame a student, while also possibly accepting a bribe from a parent to manipulate an academic opportunity.”
“This is serious misconduct.”
“Handle it according to school and state regulations. I will be submitting a report to the board.”
Sweat rolled down the principal’s forehead.
“Of course. We will handle this with the utmost seriousness.”
He turned to Holloway, his voice tight with suppressed fury.
“Holloway, effective immediately, you are suspended pending investigation. Until the results are in, you are to have no contact with any student affairs matters.”
Holloway finally gave out, collapsing back into her chair.
My mother put away her briefcase and looked at the principal.
“Principal Foster, can the suspensions for my clients, Bianca Pierce and Wade Romano, be rescinded now? And please freeze any changes to the competition spot immediately.”
The principal nearly jumped to his feet.
“Rescinded. Immediately rescinded. The competition spot remains as it was. This should never have happened in the first place—”
“It’s not that it shouldn’t have happened,” my father said, standing up. “It was orchestrated.”
He walked over to me and looked down.
He was usually so stern, but now his expression softened.
“Let’s go. Go back to class.”
I nodded.
At some point, Wade had come to stand beside me.
I glanced at him.
He was smiling at me, just like always.