Before a young adult has any significant work history to speak of, their fitness to assume new opportunities is largely judged based on the grades they've received. Their grades may determine a student's eligibility for financial aid and scholarships, admission to graduate programs, internships, and employment. As a result, it's understandable that students sometimes push back when they feel that a particular grade that they've been assigned isn't reflective of the grade they've earned.

When students are perceived as having pushed back too far, they may be accused of harassing a professor or teaching assistant (TA). Accusations of misconduct can result in significant consequences and can compromise a student's record and even their eligibility to remain enrolled in their school of choice.

If you or your child has been accused of harassing a professor or TA concerning a grade – or you need to formally appeal a grade in a way that will allow you to avoid allegations of harassment – it's important to seek legal guidance immediately. Underreacting to this situation could imperil a young person's future opportunities. To learn more, talk to us about your case today by calling 888-535-3686 or by contacting the Student Defense Team or the Education Law Team at the Lento Law Firm online.

Where Is the Line?

Most universities encourage students to connect with faculty and TAs individually if they have concerns about their grades, although some encourage the use of a specially designed grade appeals policy. Ultimately, if a student reaches out directly and a professor or TA feels intimidated or harassed as a result of a student's communication style, they may request that the student be disciplined. While some colleges provide a rough outline for how they judge behavior that is considered harassment, this matter is largely subjective. As a result, virtually any student – regardless of their good intentions – could find themselves facing allegations of harassing a professor or TA. Due to any number of factors, any student could also find themselves needing to formally appeal a consequential grade.

How Can Students Respond Effectively?

By seeking legal guidance, students who need to appeal grades or respond to allegations of misconduct can better employ a response tailored to their unique circumstances. Whether they need an education attorney to prepare them for a closed-door hearing, negotiate on behalf of their interests, or represent them as their disciplinary case evolves, there are ways to move forward proactively to better safeguard their rights and the education in which they've invested so much.

Assistance with Grade Appeals and Misconduct Allegations Is Available

If you or your child needs to formally appeal a grade and the situation is at risk of becoming contentious – or attempts at an informal appeal were made that are now being perceived as harassing a professor or TA – know that you don't have to navigate the consequential ins and outs of this situation alone.

The Student Defense Team at the Lento Law firm can assist with grade-related harassment allegations, and the Education Law Team can assist with grade appeals regardless of where the affected student is enrolled in the U.S. Even if the institution doesn't allow legal counsel to be present during a hearing, we can prepare an affected student to defend their own interests as successfully as possible.

The stakes of grade-related concerns are high in competitive academic and employment environments, so it's important to respond to these issues appropriately. Tell us about your situation today by calling 888-535-3686 or by contacting us online so that we can provide you with personalized feedback and support. We look forward to hearing from you.