Inappropriate Professors

[sonshnes]

I need to vent and ask for your prayers...

Today in my International Business class, my professor acted inappropriately for the upteenth time. I go to a university based on "Judeo-Christian values." We were talking about marriage and family relationships, and she asked how many of us were still virgins. First of all, that isn't anyone's business. Second, she should not be asking it. Without even thinking, my hand flew up. I'm proud that I am a virgin and will save myself for my future husband. Out of probably 25 students, I think there were maybe 2 of us that raised our hands. The professor then proceeded to ask if everyone's parents knew of their actions and that if the parents didn't, they shouldn't know. She encouraged lying to them.

At the end of class, she gave us our assignment: to bring a dirty joke to share on Tuesday. Can you believe that? I will NOT do it, and am strongly considering not attending class. This professor has also told us that her daughter is a "this" or "that" and that her husband has a subscription to a dirty magazine. She brought that up because she was telling us about an article she read in it while she was in the bathroom. Ewww....

I'm going to send her an email telling her about how the non-international business topics make me uncomfortable. I am torn at this point as to whether I should go straight to the dept. chair, dean, and the provost. This is not the first time that I have complained about the inability of a professor to teach or the inappropriate behavior of a professor, so I am a little hesitant to contact them. (My reasons have always been valid, not petty). I think I may email her and let her know how I feel before going over her head. I feel very passionate about this because I am extremely offended and because I'm in college to learn, not discuss the sexual actions of my classmates and tell dirty jokes. That is why I must say something. I want to stand up for my values and beliefs.

Please pray, if you will, that God will give me the right words and attitude about this. Thanks for letting me vent and for your prayers!!!

 

[Nathan8906]

Yikes. I would definitely tell SOMEONE from the school (Hey it IS a christian school.) I thank God that I haven't had to deal with anything like that yet. I'll pray for you!

 

[Shannonkish]

well that can go either way.

I had a professor (I go to a Christian school) call me stupid cause he didn't agree with my analysis on a piece of literature.

In my situation, I went to the department head... he took care of it.

In your case, I think you should talk to your prof first... if the situation doesn't get better, go to the dept. head.

 

[smiling for God]

That's wrong. I think that you should try to discuss it with the professor first.
Matthew 18:15-20 talks about going to the person first. But I'm not sure that that applies here.
I'm praying for you!

 

[Arnold_Philips]

My guess is that the prof just wants the students to like her. If you talk to her, she will probably understand where you are coming from. People, I have found out, are usually amazingly reasonable.

 

[JillLars]

Always talk to the professor first, then if the situation isn't resolved go to the department dean/chair. Don't threaten the professor though, just let her know that you're having a problem with the things you mentioned.

Regardless of whether or not your school is a based on Christian values, you are paying a lot of money to be there and receive a college education, and your professor is being paid a lot of money to teach you, not to tell dirty jokes, inquire about sex lives, and assign inappropriate assignments. Her behavior would not be appropriate at any college, Christian or not.

Let us know how it goes!

 

[Mr.Cheese]

Wow. That is completely out of line...and what on earth does that have to do with the class?

*hug*

 

[Shannonkish]

That's wrong. I think that you should try to discuss it with the professor first.
Matthew 18:15-20 talks about going to the person first. But I'm not sure that that applies here.
I'm praying for you!

Talk to the professor about calling me stupid and say what? Sir, you called me stupid, I didn't appreciate that. I wasn't the only student that dealt with this.... talking to him wouldn't have done any good.

 

[shania]

If I were in your shoes, I'd write the professor stating the things that happened in the class and how you find it inappropriate. If you are lucky, she will keep your original message and respond to you, thus giving proof that what you wrote really happened, in case you should need it at a future time. I'd probably bring a tape recorder to that class as well. If you confront the professor and she disrespects you, you definately have the right to complain. She is not setting a good example for the school and the students. Well that's what I'd do anyway...

 

[smiling for God]

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Talk to the professor about calling me stupid and say what? Sir, you called me stupid, I didn't appreciate that. I wasn't the only student that dealt with this.... talking to him wouldn't have done any good.

I wasn's saying that you were wrong. I was responding to the first post, saying that what the prof. was doing was wrong. I'm really sorry if I offended you. I do belive that you should talk to the person first but in a case like your's were they are insulting you. Yes you should go to the next person up.

 

[Shannonkish]

I am not offended... I just wanted to clear things up. It is all good.

 

[smiling for God]

Thanks, I need to look more at what I write.

 

[Shannonkish]

It's all good.

 

[fishstix]

Emailing the prof and letting her know you didn't appreciate what she said is probably a good idea. She might possibly have no idea that what she said could be found offensive. And if she isn't understanding of your point or does it again, then taking it up the school's chain of command would be the next thing to do. Personally, I'd probably either skip Tuesday's class or walk out when she starts the dirty joke presentations. Are any of the students in your class under 18? If so, she could potentially be causing herself legal problems.

 

[sonshnes]

Thanks for all of your suggestions. I did email her telling her that I was uncomfortable with the specific topics. She responded, saying that she was sorry she made me uncomfortable, but that she was trying to get the point across that other cultures can sometimes make us uncomfortable. I understand that, but we never even made it to the sexual habits of other countries, etc. Personally, I think that she merely made excuses to get herself out of hot water. I'm going to go to class to Tuesday to give her the opportunity to not have everyone tell their dirty jokes. If she does proceed with it, I will get up and leave and will have to decide what to do next. She really did not address the dirty joke aspect in her reply to my email. We'll see what happens...

Thanks again for your prayers and responses! I'll let you know how it goes on Tuesday.