The Dark Side of Academic Programs: Experiences with Scams and Discrimination

Introduction

The pursuit of higher education is often seen as a noble endeavor, promising personal and professional growth. However, for many, the academic journey can be fraught with challenges that go beyond the usual academic rigor. In this article, I will share my experiences with academic scams and discrimination, highlighting the real-life consequences of these practices.

Experiences with Academic Scams

My journey through graduate school was marred by a series of incidents that left a lasting impact. These experiences were not isolated to one institution but spanned multiple programs, including MS in Psych at Fordham and PhD in Psych at Wright State University. These institutions, which promised a quality education, instead turned out to be little more than scams designed to exploit students’ ambitions and financial stability.

Scammed at Fordham University and Wright State University

Both Fordham and Wright State University were riddled with issues. Fordham, being an overpriced private school, used the MS platform to funnel resources to their other departments. Wright State, a charter public uni, had not yet achieved accreditation but misrepresented this fact to their prospective students. Both institutions were marked by manipulative administration, deliberate budget mismanagement, and toxic cohort stalkers.

Leadership and Administration

The leadership at both universities was, in my opinion, far from ideal. At Wright State, for instance, the faculty included Valerie Shalin, Deb Steele-Johnson, Kevin Bennett, Gary Burns, Martin Gooden, and Bob Gordon. At Fordham, the leaders were Andrew Rasmussen, Donna Heald, Eva Bawdowska, and Monika McDermott.

Unjust Treatment and Discrimination

An injustice I encountered involved a professor at Wright State named Valerie Shalin in Psy 700. During my final project, I insisted that the product of two negative integers was negative, an issue she deemed incorrect and reported to Scott Wantamniuk as a ‘learning disability’. This led to a series of futile attempts to complete the course, which culminated in further academic extortion and mismanagement of my grade.

Sexism and Gender Bias

Sexism and gender bias were pervasive in my academic journey, especially at Wright State University. Female professors would not only lie about my work but would also imply that I had a learning disability when I was fully capable of understanding basic concepts. Issues that needed to be addressed were often dismissed with condescending remarks like "The lady doth protest too much." This behavior was not isolated to one or two people but was systematic, enforced by both genders.

Consequences of Scams and Abuse

The consequences of these scams and abusive behavior are severe and multifaceted. From financial losses to emotional distress, the impact on students can be devastating. Dr. Kevin Bennett, my advisor at Wright State, was a prime example of the kind of toxic behavior that flourished in these institutions. When I left campus, he commented on it as if he was relieved at the end of a game, using a metaphor that was offensive to me.

The experiences at these institutions have made me wary of the academic system and have led me to publicly denounce such scams and abusive practices. It is crucial for students to be aware of the red flags and to seek help if they encounter similar situations.

Conclusion

Academia is meant to be an environment of learning, growth, and support. However, when institutions prioritize profit over education, the consequences can be severe. Trust in the academic system must be rebuilt through transparency, accountability, and fair treatment of students. As a survivor of these scams, my hope is that this article will encourage others to speak out and prevent similar injustices from occurring in the future.

Call to Action

Supporters of academic integrity and transparency are encouraged to share their stories and to advocate for change. If you have encountered similar experiences, do not remain silent. Join the discussion and help mitigate the damage of these scams and abusive practices in academia.