Based on 39 community votes, the most popular answer to “Should I Expose the Professor Failing My Student Friend?” is “Report the professor to department chair” — chosen by 36% of voters.
Category: education • Theme: Academic Justice vs Personal Risk
I’m a graduate teaching assistant, and one of my responsibilities is to help grade assignments for an undergrad course. I’ve always tried to be fair, but this semester, I noticed something that’s really troubling me. One student—let’s call him “M”—is getting much lower grades than he deserves. He participates, works hard, and when I review his essays, they’re solid. But every time my supervising professor gives back the grades, M’s marks magically drop. The professor, who’s known to hold grudges, once argued with M about a minor classroom rule. Ever since, I’ve overheard snarky comments. Last week, I saw the professor actually lowering M’s grade from my suggestion, without changing anything in the rubric. Now, M is at risk of losing his scholarship if this keeps up. I want to say something, but the professor has a powerful reputation. If I go over their head, it could backfire and even threaten my own position or future recommendations. On the other hand, staying silent feels like betraying my principles—and a student who doesn’t deserve this. Part of me wonders if there’s a way to help M without making myself a target, but I don’t know who to trust. I haven’t told anyone yet, but it’s weighing on me every night. What would YOU do?
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