Academic Discrimination and Harassment: A Ph.D. Student’s Experience

Academic environments are often praised as being spaces of intellectual exploration, critical thinking, and advancement. However, my experience at the Wright State University Human Factors Psychology PhD program stands as a stark reminder of the harsh realities of discrimination and harassment that some students face within these institutions.

Academic Harassment and Discrimination

During my time at Wright State University, I, like many other students, faced rampant racism and sexism. However, there was one incident that stands out as particularly egregious. Gary Burns, a faculty member of the Psychology department, used his position to launch a campaign of discrimination and harassment against me. This behavior was not only deplorable but also a clear case of academic dishonesty and incompetence.

Before I enrolled in the program, the faculty members, including Gary Burns, conducted an invasive online stalking campaign. They accessed my profile through indirect Facebook friend connections and constantly monitored my online activities. They formed an incorrect and offensive conclusion about me based on the content of my profile, which had been hacked and altered without my knowledge. This incorrect assumption led to a series of discriminative and harassing actions aimed at me.

The Stalking and Misinterpretation

Due to a Facebook profile hack several years ago, my profile was altered in ways that led to an incorrect and unwarranted interpretation of my personal life. Key groups and events were renamed to offensive terms, which not only misrepresented my interests and activities but also caused a toxic environment. This misinterpretation was further fueled by the continuous monitoring of my activities and the posting of comments that projected my profile in ways I did not intend or allow.

Sexual Harassment and Unwanted Advances

The discriminatory environment at Wright State did not end there. I was sexually harassed by various members of the cohort, including a mentally disabled obese individual named Jason Culbertson. I repeatedly faced unwanted advances and offensive remarks, making the academic experience both uncomfortable and distressing.

Grade Manipulation and Witch-Hunt

The faculty's stalking and misinterpretation of my profile led to a series of unfair actions, including grade manipulation and general mistreatment. Gary Burns and other faculty members used my profile’s misinterpretation to justify discriminatory practices, leading to fake grading and a hostile academic environment. The department, under the guise of quality control, allowed such misconduct to persist without addressing the underlying issues properly.

Outing and Advocacy

The culture of discrimination at Wright State University is unacceptable. It fosters an environment where individuals are judged based on false assumptions, and where harassment and discrimination are allowed to flourish. The affected parties, such as Deborah Steele-Johnson, should be held accountable for their actions and face the consequences of their discriminatory behavior.

It is crucial for academic institutions to ensure that their policies and practices support the well-being and success of all students. When discrimination and harassment are allowed to persist, it not only harms individual students but also taints the reputation and integrity of the institution. It is time for this toxic cesspool to be exposed and for steps to be taken to ensure a safe and respectful academic environment for all.

Keywords: academic harassment, discrimination in academia, Wright State University