Grad student sues for $1.3 million over C+ grade
EASTON, Pa. (AP) - Talk about grade inflation.
Graduate student Megan Thode wasn't happy about the C-plus she received for one class, saying the mediocre grade kept her from getting her desired degree and becoming a licensed therapist - and, as a result, cost her $1.3 million in lost earnings.
Now Thode is suing her professor and Lehigh University in Bethlehem, claiming monetary damages and seeking a grade change.
A judge is hearing testimony in the case this week in Northampton County Court. Lehigh and the professor contend her lawsuit is without merit.
Thode took the class in fall of 2009. Her instructor, Amanda Eckhardt, testified this week that she stood by the grade, saying Thode failed to behave professionally and thus earned zero out of 25 points in class participation, bumping her down a full letter grade.
"I ... believed she received the grade she earned," Eckhardt said.
The C-plus prevented Thode, an otherwise A student, from going on to the next class and advancing in her professional therapist studies, according to The Express-Times of Easton. She wound up getting a master's degree in human development instead.
Her attorney, Richard Orloski, argued Eckhardt targeted Thode because she is an outspoken advocate for gay marriage. Eckhardt testified that while she believes marriage is between a man and woman, she would never allow her personal views to influence her treatment of students. She said Thode had outbursts in class, did not participate appropriately, was emotionally unstable and failed to heed a warning letter.
Stephen Thode, the plaintiff's father and a longtime finance professor at Lehigh, testified on his daughter's behalf and said her participation score was highly irregular.
"I have never heard of a case, not just at Lehigh, where a student achieved a zero in class participation where they attended and participated in every class," he said.
Northampton County Judge Emil Giordano is presiding over the nonjury trial and will issue a ruling on Thode's lawsuit after testimony concludes.
Graduate student Megan Thode wasn't happy about the C-plus she received for one class, saying the mediocre grade kept her from getting her desired degree and becoming a licensed therapist - and, as a result, cost her $1.3 million in lost earnings.
Now Thode is suing her professor and Lehigh University in Bethlehem, claiming monetary damages and seeking a grade change.
A judge is hearing testimony in the case this week in Northampton County Court. Lehigh and the professor contend her lawsuit is without merit.
Thode took the class in fall of 2009. Her instructor, Amanda Eckhardt, testified this week that she stood by the grade, saying Thode failed to behave professionally and thus earned zero out of 25 points in class participation, bumping her down a full letter grade.
"I ... believed she received the grade she earned," Eckhardt said.
The C-plus prevented Thode, an otherwise A student, from going on to the next class and advancing in her professional therapist studies, according to The Express-Times of Easton. She wound up getting a master's degree in human development instead.
Her attorney, Richard Orloski, argued Eckhardt targeted Thode because she is an outspoken advocate for gay marriage. Eckhardt testified that while she believes marriage is between a man and woman, she would never allow her personal views to influence her treatment of students. She said Thode had outbursts in class, did not participate appropriately, was emotionally unstable and failed to heed a warning letter.
Stephen Thode, the plaintiff's father and a longtime finance professor at Lehigh, testified on his daughter's behalf and said her participation score was highly irregular.
"I have never heard of a case, not just at Lehigh, where a student achieved a zero in class participation where they attended and participated in every class," he said.
Northampton County Judge Emil Giordano is presiding over the nonjury trial and will issue a ruling on Thode's lawsuit after testimony concludes.
So now you can sue becasue you are stupid, now here is one I might be able to get in on.....
where she come up with 1.3 million, that is ridiculous
Bravo, trying to play the gay card. Bravo...Sorry you got the grade you earned.
Hrm... guess she never heard of the concept of retaking a class for a better grade.
@Peregrine You beat me to it; I was thinking the same thing as I read the article.
Officially sunk to a new low.
these dang indoctrinating professors.
What's the statute of limitations on this?
Cuz I got some D's and F's years ago that I want to sue over.
@Kushfan Dude, I didn't know surfing and going to the track needed a degree.....
@Kushfan The real question is what did the D's and F's cost you in lost career advancements and earning potential. If one class to her was worth $1.3M; I'd start counting it up!
@Kushfan  I don't think your ballet teacher has any cash.
@WendyTeagarden She has my cash. And I'm not even sure she know ballet.
@Jeepers We come here for the fun of it.  Trying to put a smile on faces because the real news is too depressing. TY
@Kushfan @WendyTeagarden HA, we'll played you two.
Only a psyche major, or a law student, would pull such shenanigans. You never see Art History majors puling this kind of stuff now do you?
@Sunrise26Â But then, if an art history major did it, they've only be able to sure for a dollar thirty five at most. Not an economically viable lawsuit there.
@Peregrine @Sunrise26 What are you trying to imply about my liberal arts degree?
What a joke, take a different class moron. I hope the teacher counter sues and sets this little brat even deeper in debt.
Typical super-liberal. Wants to be able to disrupt civil order and normal adult conduct, and then sue the bejesus out of people when it doesn't go her way.
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If the professor has proof a written warning, or witnesses, I hope the student's attorney keeps the retainer when the case is dropped.
She really needs to seek some "counseling psychology" to deal with her issues.
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More of the entitlement society.
She is going to be a psycologist? Now you can see why this country has such a victimist mentaility. These are the people that get into other peoples heads and place that seed there. Its a travesty that it even got to trial.
Those who can - practice. Those who can't - sue.Â
Wow. If she succeeds the who system is shot.
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What a sack of s**t, and delusional too. That a lawyer would actually take this up doesn't say much for them either.
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@TheUglyTruth You sure like to over generalize don't you.
She needs to see a psychologist.
@swimbad She'd sue him if she didn't get the diagnosis she wants.
@Kushfan @swimbad and the psychologist needs to sue her for driving him mental.