Student Takes Action Over Mark

UMass student Brian Marquis received an A-minus numerical grade in his Political Philosophy course. While reviewing the final grades, the TA chose to adjust the grades on the curve. Marquis' mark changed to a C.

Marquis "filed a 15-count lawsuit in US District Court in Springfield in January claiming the university violated his civil rights and contractual rights and intentionally inflicted "emotional distress."

Jeremy Cushing, TA in the course 'Problems in Social Thought', wrote in an email to Marquis " 'As I am entering grades, I consider whether or not they seem fair,. . . I thought your grade was a good reflection of your work.' "

I'll admit that I expected this story would focus on helicopter parents who sued a university over the grade their precious snowflake's assignment had received. Adjusting on the bell curve is not new. In the end, Marquis' A-minus grade was deemed to be average for the course.

The lawsuit was dismissed by a District Judge last week, but Marquis is considering an appeal. Whether he appeals or not, launching suit against the university is likely to have some effect on his application to law school.

In 1978, the University of Missouri was served with similar proceedings. The following is from the court decision: "University faculties must have the widest range of discretion in making judgments as to the academic performances of students and their entitlement to promotion or graduation."

Maybe Marquis should review his notes from Foundations and Fundamentals.

Tags: [Brian Marquis]   [Jeremy Cushing]   [Grading on the Curve]