University classroom harassment

[mihai03]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?
Tennessee

So I am white, Caucasian, but originally from Europe. Because I live in the south and look slightly different than the average person here, I receive some discrimination at my university. Professors will look at me with disdain, avoid eye contact, position themselves behind another student to avoid a direct line of vision, try to end conversations as quickly as possible when I ask about classwork, and generally do not respect my right to feel comfortable in the classroom. All I do is I come to class, sit down quietly, mind my own matters, and listen to the lectures. But this is not enough to deter nasty looks and immediately singling out as if I don't belong there.

Does the law give me any protection against this type of harassment?

 

[Banned_Princess]

I do not see that you are being harassed at all.









*******

 

[mihai03]

That's not the answer I was looking for.

So basically if I tried to make somebody feel very uncomfortable by using every subtle action short of actually breaking the law it's perfectly ok??

 

[Banned_Princess]

That's not the answer I was looking for.

So basically if I tried to make somebody feel very uncomfortable by using every subtle action short of actually breaking the law it's perfectly ok??

Perfectly ok. all day every day.

Sorry you weren't looking for the right answer.

 

[xylene]

You should contact your University ombudsman in regards to what is going on.

There may be nothing they can do, or there may be a real problem, especially in terms of university

AND (Despite what others have said)

Making somebody feel very uncomfortable by using every subtle action short of actually breaking the law is probably NOT ok at all, especially in terms of just about any university policy I am familiar with. It would lead to discipline.

So I strongly suggest NOT fighting fire with fire...

 

[BOR]

While legal, per se, these type of situations are delicate to deal with. You probably are being shunned, yes.

You have to decide the best way to handle it, ignore it, talk to a classmate who has your confidence, etc.

 

[mihai03]

Yes, I realize civil rights law does not cover all types of discrimination, i.e. those based on looks, perception, etc... If I was black or a female, then it would be easier to sue these reprehensible people.

 

[BOR]

Yes, I realize civil rights law does not cover all types of discrimination, i.e. those based on looks, perception, etc... If I was black or a female, then it would be easier to sue these reprehensible people.

No, that would not neccessarily make it easier.

Protected class harassment, even if facially obvious, is very hard to prove in a court of law, even by a preponderance of the evidence.

 

[davew128]

Yes, I realize civil rights law does not cover all types of discrimination, i.e. those based on looks, perception, etc... If I was black or a female, then it would be easier to sue these reprehensible people.

Your attitude has nothing to do with it, right?

 

[mihai03]

Your attitude has nothing to do with it, right?

Right, it doesn't.

 

[stealth2]

So I am white, Caucasian, but originally from Europe. Because I live in the south and look slightly different than the average person here

I've gotta ask... Just what does the "average" Tennessean look like, as compared to you?? White Europeans don't really look that different than white Americans.

Perhaps you need to look at your own behaviors for a clue as to why you're being avoided.

 

[cyjeff]

Let's also not completely ignore the possibility that this is imagined.

You seem to believe that others are going out of their way to shun you... when it just may be innocent action.

YOU, as the accuser, will have to prove it.

 

[ajkroy]

Have you considered that it may be your hygiene? Americans generally bathe far more often than Europeans. It can be immediately noticeable among those who bathe daily (or even several times a day) and could explain the treatment.

 

[stealth2]

Have you considered that it may be your hygiene? Americans generally bathe far more often than Europeans. It can be immediately noticeable among those who bathe daily (or even several times a day) and could explain the treatment.

Even in TN?!?!?!

 

[You Are Guilty]

It's Tennessee. All you have to do if you want to blend in is to stop brushing your teeth and marry your cousin