Based on 42 community votes, the most popular answer to “Should I Expose My Professor’s Unfair Grading?” is “File a complaint as a witness” — chosen by 31% of voters.
Category: education • Theme: Justice for Others vs Protecting Myself
I’m in my third year of university, working hard just to keep my GPA high enough for grad school. There’s this one professor known for being, honestly, pretty spiteful. Most people just try to stay under the radar in his class. A classmate—the kind who always shows up, asks good questions, and isn’t afraid to speak her mind—has been getting called out and nitpicked by him since midterm. She recently confided in me; she knows her last papers were strong, but her grades were barely passing. I read one—she wasn’t exaggerating. The feedback was petty, almost personal. She’s devastated. This class is a big deal for her major, and one bad grade could jeopardize her scholarship. I also know that if I speak up or file a complaint as a witness, the department would take it more seriously. But I’m afraid—this professor is influential, and if he finds out I got involved, it could tank my own grades or even damage my recommendation chances. Most people just quietly endure, get through his class, and warn others later. But seeing my classmate breaking down, knowing how unfair this is, I feel sick keeping quiet. At the same time, I can’t exactly afford making an enemy right before applications. I keep replaying all the possible outcomes in my head. Would getting involved actually help her, or just make things worse for both of us? I want to stand up for what's right, but I’m scared. What would YOU do?
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