“And what will this punishment look like?” Victoria said, her body tense and ready for a fight on this girl’s behalf. Becca, like all little black girls stuck in these junior Pembrokes, needed a sponsor and she was fully prepared to stand with John. “Because I should let you know, one educator to another, harsh punishment for the victim of bullying can only serve to crush a student’s spirit. Especially if they’re already a marginalized student.”

Karen appeared to hold her breath as she stared Victoria down. “Becca will have a week’s work of after-school detention with the rest of the girls who were involved. Admittedly, by the time a cafeteria worker could intervene, it had turned into a brawl.”

“Making it difficult to know who exactly started it,” John said.

“Perhaps.” Principal Schmidt said in a tired voice. “Everyone will start their detention period on Monday and it will end next Friday. Mr. Donovan, you can pick Becca up from school at 4 p.m. instead of the usual dismissal time.”

“Is anything going to happen to Jenny and her friends?” Becca cried. “They were the ones who started it.”

John shot her a glare. “Becca.”

Her watery eyes shot it right back. “What?”

He sighed and returned his attention to the principal. “Mrs. Schmidt, the problem between these girls is definitely not over. Does your zero-tolerance policy extend to cases of bullying?”

“Of course,” the principal said, tucking her hair behind her ear. “All of the girls will engage in a truth and reconciliation exercise during their detention sessions. We practice more holistic methods of discipline in matters like this.”

Victoria loosened her shoulders slightly. Although she recited the policy like any other school administrator, Principal Schmidt’s idea wasn’t terrible. Perhaps forced apologies in a group setting would help the girls understand their different perspectives. John heaved another tired sigh and stood to shake the woman’s hand. “Thank you for your time, Principal Schmidt. Becca will be present for all detention sessions next week.”

Becca had heard enough as well. She folded her arms over her chest and flung herself out of her chair, storming out of the office. While she waited in the hallway, Victoria took the time to address the principal. “Thank you for allowing me to sit in on this meeting,” she said.

The woman looked between her and John. “Right. Any idea when Becca’s mother will be back from Sweden?”

“In about two months,” John said in a tired voice.

Principal Schmidt nodded. “I see. Have you considered letting Becca meet with a counselor? Acting out in school is sometimes a sign of sudden upheaval in a child’s home-life. As I understand it, her parents recently divorced?”