The Dark Side of Academic Institutions: Scams, Toxic Leadership, and Unethical Practices
Academia is often perceived as an ivory tower where knowledge and excellence are king. However, as this article reveals, the reality can be quite different, especially when dealing with academic scams, toxic leadership, and unethical practices.
Academic Scams Unveiled
Despite the longstanding reputation of academic institutions, not all are immune to unethical and fraudulent practices. Two notable cases of academic scams are detailed here. The first involves a part-time professor from decades ago who exploited women by offering individual tutoring sessions at his condo. This practice is far from condoned and represents a clear violation of professional ethics.
In recent times, I, a PhD holder from Berkeley, fell victim to academic scams while pursuing a PhD in Psychology at Fordham University and Wright State University. These institutions, despite their seemingly reputable status, were engaged in enrollment manipulation, false advertising, and mismanagement of funds. The management was incompetent and the curriculum was flawed, leading to significant financial and emotional burdens for students like myself.
Toxic Leadership in Academic Institutions
The failure of leadership in academic institutions to uphold ethical standards can be catastrophic. Kevin Bennett, a PhD advisor at Wright State University, exemplifies this failure. Hired as a student, my experience with Bennett was nothing short of abusive. He frequently cited literary inaccuracies as ways to dismiss valid criticisms and undermined my work with sexist and biased remarks. Bennett was one of many individuals who made working at these institutions a nightmare.
Another example is Gary Burns, who taught a course in PSY 703 at Wright State University. Burns' incompetence and unprofessional behavior, derived from a false conclusion based on a Facebook hack, made my academic life miserable. Such toxic leaders not only harm individual students but also tarnish the reputation of the entire institution.
Unethical Practices in Academia
The list of unethical practices in academia is far from exhaustive. Additionally to the personal experiences of harassment and academic dishonesty, these institutions may engage in various underhanded tactics. For instance, some may purposely create conditions where students' work is dismissed to keep their funding in check. One particular professor, Valerie Shalin, failed me for work I had supposedly done incorrectly, then made me work in a low-paying job to produce 'fake work' that she again failed me on. The destruction of funding and academic integrity is a sad reality in some graduate programs.
In some cases, grade manipulation and bait-and-switch tactics are employed to keep students in a continuous state of financial distress. For example, Sue Donems faced such practices during her graduate studies. The consequence of these practices can lead to wrongful termination or wage garnishment, among other punitive actions.
What Can Be Done?
Exposing these unethical practices is the first step towards change. It is crucial to document one's experiences, seek support from reputable institutions, and inform authorities when necessary. Such actions not only help to protect current and future students but also hold institutions accountable for their actions. Ultimately, by bringing light to these issues, we can foster a more ethical and supportive academic environment.
If you're currently a student and experiencing such situations, it is imperative to speak up and seek help. Do not be afraid to report unethical behavior to your university's administration or relevant authorities. In defense of transparency, awareness, and fair treatment, supporting and recognizing such injustices is essential.