Alright! What have you determined?
–
SPEAKER (preferably a participant, probably Alex or Taylor):
Principal Sharpe…
–
Oh boy, I hope this isn’t going where I think it’s going.
The group gives a reassuring nod to the designated speaker.
–
SPEAKER:
After careful consideration of the facts at hand, we have determined that none of us were truly responsible for inciting the incident, and therefore it wouldn’t be fair.
–
Sharpe cuts them off, ideally with the word fair or responsible. Whatever is said try to echo their verbiage.
Example option: You don’t think it’s *fair* to be held responsible your actions?
Example option: So you think not a single one of you were responsible for inciting the food fight that damaged school property and sent a student to the emergency room?
–
STUDENT:
It was an accident.
–
Oh, it was an accident? Well, let me tell you something, when you’re a grown up in the real world you’re going to have to take responsibility for your actions even when your actions are an accident. And it is my job to prepare you for the real world.
–
STUDENT:
But we are trying to take responsibility.
–
OTHER STUDENT:
Please Principal Sharpe, hear us out.
–
OTHER STUDENTS (in chorus):
Please, Mr. Sharpe
–
PRINCIPAL SHARPE:
Ok, fine. I’ll hear you out.
–
SPEAKER:
Gives the pitch
At the end of the pitch, they look at him with hopeful expectance.
–
PRINCIPAL SHARPE:
Look, it’s very heartwarming that you have all agreed not to blame each other, but the student handbook demands that in any instance of violence, the inciter is to receive 5 days suspension. And when it isn’t clear who is responsible, all parties will be held responsible. Every single one of you participated in the fight even though, as you say, there was no violence incited against you.
So in actuality, it would be entirely fair for me to suspend every single one of you. Would it not?
The students erupt in protest, exclaiming how cruel and unfair it is that he would ruin their high school experience/ college scholarships. Ashley threatens her dad will take him to court. Brandon says coach will override him, etc.
–
PRINCIPAL SHARPE:
Enough! Life is cruel and unfair. It is cruel and unfair that my sister died, and now I am the sole care-taker of her 7-year-old daughter who is currently home alone for the first time because her babysitter cancelled, but I’m stuck here supervising detention for a bunch of delinquents. Meanwhile the school board is so far up my ass about improving behavioral standards and test scores that I’m skating on thin ice and this little sob story from you shit heads could cost me my job. And none of that is fair. Sometimes you just need to face the consequences whether it’s fair or not.
A moment of stunned silence. He has said too much.
Wait for a participant to say something. Depending on what they say, an inter-actor can reinforce their response. Or if the participants say something Sharpe can take the hit off of, skip the next line.
–
Well… you’ve got a nice sob story yourself, but what if you had to face the consequences of leaving these shitheads without a supervisor for half of detention today. Would you say that was fair?
–
REBECCA:
Ren shut up!
Beat for any participant reactions.
PRINCIPAL SHARPE:
No, she’s right.
Beat
Fine. I’ll bring your proposal to the board.
The students cheer and express their gratitude.
But you have to promise to follow through on this plan of yours. I’m putting my neck out for you!
The students assure him. The bell rings.
THE END
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