University Professors: To Call Out Racist Students Or Not?

Professors are often regarded as authority figures in the classroom, and their conduct can significantly impact the classroom environment and students' comfort. While academic freedom is essential to universities' institutional mission, it is valid to question if there are limits to what a professor can say or do without repercussions. This is especially pertinent when discussing offensive speech or actions, including racism, and the potential impact on students. This topic explores the boundaries of acceptable behaviour by university professors and the recourse available to students who encounter such situations.

Academic freedom and the limits of free speech

Academic freedom is a central tenet of universities, underpinning their institutional mission. It allows professors to teach, research, and publish without interference or restriction, fostering an environment conducive to intellectual exploration and critical thinking. However, this freedom is not absolute and has limits when it impinges on the rights of others, including the freedom of speech of students.

The student-teacher relationship is inherently uneven, with professors wielding significant power as authority figures. This dynamic can make students feel reluctant to speak up when professors act inappropriately. Professors may also become defensive when criticised, particularly when challenged on their expression or academic freedom. Nevertheless, students have a right to feel safe and respected in the classroom, and universities have a responsibility to address issues of offensive speech, harassment, and discrimination.

When a professor's expression, including their use of language, makes students uncomfortable, it can be a form of protected expression, and moments of discomfort can be instructive and part of the learning process. However, when a professor's conduct is egregiously harmful, threatening, or involves speech not protected by law, disciplinary action or removal may be considered. The bar for such action is set intentionally high to protect academic freedom, but it is not insurmountable.

In instances where a university professor's speech or behaviour is considered racist, students have a right to report it and seek resolution. While it can be challenging to navigate the reporting process, universities have anti-harassment laws and protocols in place. Students can also utilise resources such as student newspapers, clubs, and governing bodies to raise awareness and advocate for change. When approaching the professor directly, it is advisable to remain calm, focus on the impact of their actions, and seek a better classroom climate rather than assigning blame.

Reporting racist professors

It can be challenging to report a racist professor, and unfortunately, there are no guarantees that any action will be taken. However, if you have experienced racism or witnessed a racist incident involving a professor, there are some steps you can take to try and address the issue.

Firstly, it is recommended to try and speak with the professor directly in a calm and respectful manner. During this conversation, it is important to focus on how the professor's actions have negatively impacted you or others, rather than accusing or shaming the professor, which may lead to defensiveness.

If speaking with the professor is unsuccessful or not possible, the next step is to follow your school's policy for reporting such incidents. This may involve gathering evidence and making a formal complaint to a higher authority within the institution, such as a dean, ombudsman, or a separate office dedicated to handling harassment and discrimination complaints. It is advised to make reports in writing before speaking with the professor, as this creates a record of the incident.

It is important to be prepared for a potentially slow and traumatic process, as universities are large and bureaucratic organisations. Additionally, tenured professors are often challenging to discipline or remove, as academic freedom is central to universities' institutional missions. Nevertheless, it is crucial to speak up and seek support from student newspapers, clubs, and governing bodies to raise awareness and work towards a safer and more inclusive learning environment.

The power dynamic between students and professors

The student-teacher relationship is inherently uneven, with the instructor, lecturer, or professor occupying a position of authority in the classroom. This power dynamic often means that professors have little external oversight and a significant amount of influence over their students. This dynamic can be further exacerbated when issues of race, gender, or other sensitive topics arise, and professors may find themselves accused of fostering an uncomfortable or even hostile learning environment.

While academic freedom is central to a university's institutional mission, it is not without limits. Universities typically have anti-harassment laws and protocols in place to protect students from discrimination and create a safe and inclusive learning environment. For example, in the United States, Title IX can be used to guard against sexual assault and harassment, and some universities have additional resources, such as student advocates, ombudsmen, or offices dedicated to preventing harassment and discrimination.

When a student believes a professor has crossed a line and engaged in racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, or otherwise offensive behaviour, it can be challenging to know how to respond. On the one hand, students may feel uncomfortable, angry, or unsafe in the classroom. On the other hand, they may fear retaliation or negative consequences for their grades if they speak up.

In such situations, it is recommended that students approach the professor for a one-on-one conversation in a calm and collected manner. Rather than focusing on blame or shame, it can be more productive to describe how the professor's actions have negatively impacted them and their learning experience. If this approach fails or is not feasible, students can escalate the issue to the university administration, following the school's policies and providing any relevant evidence. However, it is important to note that the process of reporting and investigating such incidents can be slow and emotionally traumatic for those involved.

The impact of offensive incidents on students

These incidents can have a detrimental effect on a student's sense of safety and well-being, both inside and outside the classroom. Students may feel anxious, fearful, or even traumatised by such incidents, impacting their ability to engage with their studies and affecting their mental health. This can be further exacerbated if the professor in question holds a position of power or authority, which is often the case, and if they react defensively or retaliate when confronted about their behaviour.

The power dynamic between students and professors is inherently uneven, and this imbalance can be exploited by professors who engage in offensive behaviour. Students may feel reluctant to speak up or report incidents for fear of repercussions on their grades or other forms of retaliation. This dynamic can also contribute to a culture of silence, where students feel unable to challenge their professors, further entrenching the power imbalance and normalising offensive behaviour.

The impact of offensive incidents can also extend beyond the individual student and affect the wider student community. A single incident can create a ripple effect, impacting the classroom environment and the broader campus culture. It can foster an atmosphere of tension, mistrust, and division, affecting not just the students directly involved but also their peers, and potentially leading to a breakdown of respect and mutual understanding.

Furthermore, the failure of universities to adequately address these incidents can send a message to students that their concerns are not taken seriously, or even worse, that the institution condones such behaviour. This can lead to a loss of faith in the university's ability or willingness to protect and support its students, exacerbating the negative impact on those affected and potentially creating a culture of impunity.

It is important to recognise that the impact of offensive incidents on students is not just about the initial incident but also the response (or lack thereof) from the institution. Universities have a responsibility to foster an environment that is conducive to learning and free from harassment and discrimination. While moments of discomfort can be instructive and part of the learning process, offensive incidents that cross a line into creating a hostile environment must be addressed through appropriate channels, with sensitivity and promptness, to ensure the well-being of students and the integrity of the academic community.

How to call out a professor

Calling out a professor can be a tricky situation, especially since the student-teacher relationship is inherently uneven, with the professor holding a position of authority and power. Here are some steps you can take to call out a professor:

Recognize the Issue:

Firstly, identify what exactly the professor said or did that was offensive or inappropriate. This could range from racist, sexist, or transphobic remarks to joining in on offensive jokes made by students. It's important to be clear about the specific issue at hand.

Stay Calm and Approach Professionally:

While it's understandable to feel angry or upset about the situation, try to stay calm and approach the matter professionally. Remember that reacting angrily might not be the most productive way to handle the situation. Take a deep breath, leave your anger at the door, and focus on having a constructive conversation.

Seek a One-on-One Conversation:

Instead of confronting the professor in front of the entire class, seek an opportunity for a private, one-on-one conversation. This can be done during their office hours or by scheduling an appointment. Approaching them directly can reduce the chance of the professor feeling attacked and can often be the best first step toward finding a resolution.

Share Your Concerns Calmly:

During the conversation, calmly explain how their actions or words impacted you and how they contributed to a negative classroom environment. Avoid fixating on blame or their intentions. Instead, focus on sharing your perspective and how it made you feel.

Understand the Professor's Response:

After sharing your concerns, pay attention to how the professor responds. They might react defensively, deny any wrongdoing, or even threaten your grade. Remember that some professors may get defensive when critiqued, so try to maintain a respectful tone throughout the conversation.

Seek Support and File a Complaint:

If the professor reacts poorly or is unresponsive to your concerns, you can seek support from the appropriate channels within your university. Most universities have anti-harassment laws, mediators, student advocates, and policies in place to protect students from harassment and retaliation. Reach out to these resources to file a formal complaint.

Collaborate with Allies:

Consider seeking support from allies within the classroom or the wider student community. Allies can help interrupt cycles of marginalization and make it easier to speak up against instances of microaggressions or offensive behavior.

Contact Higher Authorities:

If the incident seems indicative of a larger problem at the university, you can consider working with student newspapers, clubs, and governing bodies to raise awareness and bring about systemic change. You can also reach out to external organizations, such as the national Office for Civil Rights, which investigates campus discrimination based on protected categories.

Remember that every professor is different, so use your best judgment throughout the process. It's important to stand up against offensive behavior to promote a safe and inclusive learning environment for yourself and your peers.

Frequently asked questions