In the early months of the 2021-2022 academic year, schools across the country have seen a disturbing increase in student vandalism and assault. Contributing to the spike are students seeking social media notoriety by responding to challenges issued on the video-sharing platform TikTok.

The ‘Devious Licks' Challenge

A “lick” is a slang term for theft. In September, students were challenged to post videos of themselves stealing or destroying school property, particularly in bathrooms. Across the country, students responded by removing bathroom stall doors, urinals, soap dispensers, hot air dryers, and even sinks.

The Slap or Smack a Teacher Challenge

The October challenge prompted assaults, like an 18-year-old student at Louisiana's Covington High School repeatedly punching a disabled teacher and a student at Castaic High School in California punching three teachers.

TikTok challenges from now into next year are no better, calling for sexual assault, indecent exposure, and more vandalism.

What Can School Districts Do About It?

Schools nationwide are responding with a wide range of measures, from hiring nighttime guards to installing extra cameras and more.

• Pennsylvania: Schools in the Kensington-Arnold School District implemented an e-hall pass system where students must submit electronic requests to their teachers for permission to leave the classroom.
• Missouri: Administrators at Affton High School and at multiple high schools across the Fort Zumwalt School District installed additional monitors in the hallways and increased the frequency of teacher rounding.
• New Hampshire: The school superintendent of Dover School District sent a letter to parents stating that the district was aware of the TikTok challenges and that students who participated in them would face disciplinary action.

Repercussions for High School Students Accused of Misconduct

If you have been accused of or found responsible for misconduct in high school, you may have a difficult time getting into college. When admissions staff find disciplinary actions on a student's record, many will choose to reject the applicant in favor of another student who has a clean record.

How Universities Are Responding

If you've been reported for misconduct, your school will respond according to its Student Code of Conduct. Brown University in Rhode Island, for example, follows the Administrative Response Options laid out in their code. Consequences for misconduct range from a meeting with the Dean to a Student Conduct Board hearing and from a warning letter to expulsion. If you have been accused of conduct serious enough to warrant expulsion from Brown, the process will include an Investigative Review.

Long-Term Consequences for Students

You might think a vandalism accusation is no big deal, but there is a lot at stake. If you are expelled from your university, you might be ineligible to reapply to that school later on. You could also find it difficult to gain admission to any other school.

When your academic progress is delayed or stalled, all that tuition money you've invested is lost, you might not be able to get the degree you need, and it could ruin your chances of entering or succeeding in the field of your choice. The costs will just keep adding up.

The Lento Law Firm Can Help

If you, or your student, have been accused of a Student Code of Conduct violation, having Attorney Joseph D. Lento in your corner will help you achieve the best outcome. The Lento Law Firm specializes in student discipline defense, and they have years of experience helping students nationwide. Contact Attorney Joseph D. Lento online or by calling 888-535-3686.