Schools aren't going to be fair, especially to students they dislike. My schools, however, spoke with parents of students with whom I had conflicts regularly--sometimes, they'd go ahead and punish me for supposed offenses as soon as parents notified them, even when I hadn't actually done those things. I don't know...I hate to hear about unfairness in school because it reminds me of my experiences. Teachers are way too hasty with punishments for the students they dislike (and believe me, they DO play favorites) and too lenient on students they like, sometimes even letting them go free. Overly angry parents are no help either. (And this isn't directed at you, Fox.)
Fox, what grade is your son in? Because I can completely understand if it's just elementary school--kids that young shouldn't have to be exposed and shamed so much for something like that. Regardless, I feel like in the long run it's best for everyone if you don't know who the student was because it may color your feelings about the kid later and cause a lot of anguish, but I do believe you should at least get to know the punishment.
Claude, a suspension that long just for stealing a phone? Are you sure? I think you may be a little heated right now. I'm not sure if it's one of those fancy smartphones or a regular one, but either way it's way too strict. A student isn't likely to be able to afford a fine like that anyway, and even if their parents can afford it, it's generally not the parents' fault. ("Hey, little Johny, I want you to steal a phone today!") And I don't know how your school does suspension, but even I, who've been unfairly discriminated against in school (one teacher sent me to ISS for picking my nose...when I hadn't actually picked my nose...) have never gotten suspended for that long, even for more serious offenses.