Berethond said:
So "Tom" is pretty much screwed.
For life.
Sucks, don't it?
It's not for sure.
I'd tell Tom to get a lawyer. If
is a legal issue, and he needs representation.
Also, goto the school board for an appeal. They might stop him from graduating as long as the charges are pending. But if he finishes classes, and the charges are dropped, then they can award him his diploma. He might not have a big ceremony, but at that point I'd think he'll just be happy to get it at all.
He can fight this for sure, so he's not screwed in the long run yet.
Is it a stupid situation? Absolutely.
But if he's really telling the truth, then the guy has got to fight for it.