This question ate me in elementary school. I knew that the teachers & staff KNEW who the bullies were and who were the bullied. But they did nothing, and all

This question ate me in elementary school. I knew that the teachers & staff KNEW who the bullies were and who were the bullied. But they did nothing, and all of their punishments would give equal blame to both parties. If there was actually unequal punishment then you'll get a lot more "he started it!" kind of arguments, kids will lie to get whatever they want. And at the same time, I realize looking back on school is that the teachers & admins in public school aren't that bright. As a group they're the poorest-performing college students. When I'm a father, maybe I would rather have equal & consistent punishment for both parties, rather than some crappy teachers trying to decide who did what.