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School rules are something I don't think you have a leg to stand on when it comes to questioning, especially after you've broken one. I'm not sure threatening the principal with going to a lawyer is going to benefit her unless she is prepared to go through with it, either. Teenagers these days manage to walk, bike, or use public transportation get to malls, movie theaters, and other towns all on their own, so why is finding a way home from school any different? It's unfortunate the punishment seems a little harsh as compared to the infraction, but I'd be surprised if Katie wasn't aware what the repurcussions of being late were. The rule probably wasn't put into effect to punish people who are seldom late, rather that someone probably noticed a lot of kids were taking advantage of being late and the result was a school rule that seems unfair. As a former teacher few things are more disruptive than a kid coming into class late. I'd blame the people who might have been responsible for stricter late rules being put in place, not the people who are charged with carrying them out. Your best bet might be to ask to speak with the principal (actually, the assistant principal, since he/she is usually the one tasked with discipline) and tell them your plight, that you were late and guilty as charged, but have transportation issues and can you work something out as far as serving your time. Like TDF my high schooler misses the bus occasionally and is involved in several school activities that don't come with a bus ride home afterwards, and then it falls on the parents or the kids themselves to arrange transportation. Katie, set two alarms and don't let it happen again.
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