Not true. It is a myth that “none” can only take a singular verb. If the object of the defining preposition (or implicit appositive) is a plural, then “none” takes a plural verb.
In the example cited, “none of the STUDENTS,” the object is “students” — a plural. If the sentence had read “Of the false accusers, none were punished” the same rule would apply.
If the object was singular, e.g.: “None of the shipment ...” or a collective noun — “None of the herd ...” — then a singular verb (is, was) is proper.
Except in British variants that use plural verbs for collective nouns.
End of lecture ... :)
Nothing personal, but pish-tosh. I’m sure you can find someone Credentialed to aver that “not one” can take a plural verb, but you can also find someone Credentialed to assert that one can use “they” as a singular, neuter pronoun.
It is here that civilization stands or falls.
“none of the STUDENTS,” the object is “students”
The verb must agree with the subject of the sentence. The subject of a sentence can never be the object of a preposition. The subject of that sentence is not “students,” but “none.” You are asserting that “one were” is correct.
Thanks, I thot ‘none were’ was ok too.