How do I deal with biased profs? I am not given good grades for quality work when others are rewarded for crap

Question

I am of foreign origin and the profs are too (like most profs in engineering). all other students are white and they are on very good terms with me. they agree that i've been target of racism too. What should I do?

Answer 1

you should talk to the professor about it. if he/she is not being supportive or whatever, contact your OMBUDS. they're basically a liason between students and teachers and they help mediate any conflicts. you could also contact the department head.
it sucks when profs are biased. it's kind of like the pygmalion effect-- basically they're given expectations about somebody or a group of people and then they act on those expectations. maybe they have this conception that foreigners aren't as smart as whites, so they give you bad grades because it's almost expected. it's a terrible thing. that's the product of a stereotype.
good luck though and hope all goes well

Answer 2

If you intend to continue your schooling there, then you have two options: (1) stand up for yourself, (2) ignore it and move on.

By standing up for yourself, you do this not only for yourself but for others of your own race. You may do this mildly by speaking openly with a professor who you think will understand you, like an academic adviser of sorts, or maybe a counselor. You can also choose to bring this up with the higher ups, such as the Dean of your College and student unions (if you have any). If you are able to gather enough supporters and people with the same experience, have these documented and write to a legal and / or political representative. There is strength in numbers.

The second option is to ignore the problem until it goes away. Racism is a terrible thing but it is not unusual. Maybe you can gather feedback from those foreigners who have gone ahead of you, who are already in the field, and ask them if racism (against them) is rampant in their respective workplaces. If it is rampant, then whatever "crap" your professors are shelling out may be preparation for the future.

But if they are ruining your chances of getting into a good company because of the lousy grades, I would suggest you seek representation and speak to your dean about this.

Answer 3

Maybe the professor expect more from you because you are of another race, like they are. I go to the University of Minnesota and at our engineering program is also full of foreign profs. Maybe they think that because you are of a different nationality that they grade you more rigoriously. This is just a thought...

Answer 4

Hmmm, I would suggest you talking to your engineering department and speak with the person in charge. You should first confront your professor and address the problem, if the problem persists then speak to the head honcho. Just one question, if you are studying in an engineering field, don't you just have to take math and science classes where you just do homework and take quizes and midterms, unless it is some sort of lab writeup?

Answer 5

Ok heres what you do . Sneak a tape recorded in to his classroom and record when he says something racist or bad about you then you can record it and get him fired. Another option is drop the class and find a better proffessor. If its not to late to switch or drop. I would not put up with it . I had one before and I decided to switch. Your paying for a good education and that not right what the professors doing.

Answer 6

Compare this to work evaluations. If a person is doing a great job, you should still find something wrong with the things they do so they will improve. And, the job won't go to their head!!

Answer 7

Have them sign statements attesting to this and bring it upi to the school board. Or dean or who ever is in charge.