In theory, attending school can help kids and young adults develop a healthy respect for authority. It can also theoretically help students to develop a healthy skepticism of it. Recognizing when to follow instructions or model behavior and when to push back is an important reality of growing up. Yet, sometimes, the choices of those in charge are so outrageous that they may shatter a student's trust in the system as a whole.

Take, for example, a recent story that is unfolding in the state of Michigan. It has been newly alleged that the Dean of Michigan State University's College of Education has engaged in serious acts of plagiarism – repeatedly copying material without properly attributing sources – throughout his career. When a Dean of a top college engages in such behavior, how are the students subject to discipline by such figures supposed to respond?

Students don't always trust that they'll be believed if they have concerns about those in positions of authority. However, the Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm has seen enough as we've practiced nationwide that we know to take such concerns seriously. If you are being disciplined by an individual or institution that may be engaging in suspect behavior, talk to us about your situation today by calling 888-535-3686 or by contacting the Lento Law Firm online.

What Allegedly Happened, and Why Does It Matter?

The Dean accused of wrongdoing, Jerlando Jackson, leads one of the top-ranked teacher training programs in the U.S. Yet, he allegedly has failed repeatedly to uphold the strict plagiarism standards that he enforces when it comes to the students enrolled in that program. So far, nearly 40 examples of plagiarism have been discovered in nine of the Dean's published works. The length of the examples in question range from sentences to entire pages.

The head of the National Association of Scholars insists that "Jackson has failed all ordinary standards of academic honesty… As long as he remains as a dean, the university has no legitimate basis to hold students and faculty to basic standards of intellectual integrity." And that's the rub. It is bad enough that the Dean allegedly infringed upon the intellectual property rights of others. What's arguably worse is that his alleged behavior calls the integrity of the University's system of holding students and faculty accountable for acts of plagiarism into serious question.

In this instance, an authority figure with the power to discipline – even expel – students and discipline – even terminate – faculty for plagiarism-related misconduct is alleged to have been engaging in such behavior repeatedly. And that reality undermines the integrity of the system as a whole.

Legal Assistance Is Available

If you've been accused of academic misconduct by an individual or institution that is not exercising its authority with integrity, know that the trusted Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm can help to safeguard your rights. And because we practice nationwide, we can assist you regardless of where you go to school.

You've worked hard to get where you are. Let us help you to respond to allegations of misconduct as effectively as possible. Tell us about what's going on by calling 888-535-3686 or by contacting us online. Once we know the ins and outs of your story, we can start crafting a thoughtful strategy designed to help you secure a favorable outcome. We look forward to speaking with you.