Mali Vero

(I teach eighth grade at a very privileged school. I’m about halfway through the study hall that I have to keep silent.)

Student #1: *loudly starts to conjugate Latin verbs*

Me: “Excuse me, could you please do that in your head?”

Student #1: “But I have a very important Latin final that I absolutely have to study for!”

Me: “I know. But other people have to study, too, and this is a silent room.”

Student #1: “Well, [Student #2] was helping me study!”

Student #2: “No! I don’t even take Latin!”

Me: “[Student #1], would you like to go to the principal?”

Student #1: “YOU ARE VIOLATING MY RIGHTS! [Student #3], tell her she’s violating my rights!”

Student #3: “Shh… I’m trying to study!”

Me: “[Student #1], I’m going to have to ask you to leave now.”

Student #1: “THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS. IT’S DISCRIMINATION. MY FATHER WILL HEAR OF THIS!”

(She storms out.)

Student #3: *quietly* “Who does she think she is, Draco Malfoy?”