A 14-year-old boy from western England was recently expelled after what Bridge Learning Campus considered an unforgivable breach of privacy against the school’s principal. The incident took place in Hearthcliffe, England, where the teen had just been told his hairstyle was against school policy. It is not uncommon for teenagers to experiment with their hair, makeup, and clothing before adulthood. However, in the digital age, the style indiscretions

of youth are not relegated to a dusty yearbook. One administrator from an upscale educational Institute in recently found out just how easy it was for the past to pop up in the present with disastrous results for one child.

Just before Christmas of 2014, freshman Jordan Ford was pulled aside and told his punk-style haircut would have to go. The boy, who is often described as the class clown, refused to tone down the brightly colored red Mohawk citing that several members of school staff have dyed hair. To further support his case, Jordan turned to Facebook where he found images of the school’s own principle – the same principle who requested the makeover – decked out in full grunge gear. The photo showcased the school’s leader with a short, sloppy, and very purple hair cut.

Jordan shared the photograph on his personal Facebook page along with derogatory comments calling the principal out for hypocrisy and bashing her weight. When the school was alerted to the post, Jordan was initially suspended from classes for five days. However, on January 5, the school reversed their decision opting for full expulsion instead.

School principal Keziah Featherstone learned the hard way a valuable lesson about Facebook privacy settings. She claims the image was not representative of her everyday attire but was a look worn only for show during social gatherings. She holds that Jordan and his family signed an agreement barring them from inappropriate use of technology. Despite publicity, the school holds fast in its decision to uphold the punishment.