Page 76 of Campus Daddies

I take a moment to look them all in the eyes, gauging their shock and outrage at my speech. “It doesn’t.”

They all bristle a little at my tone. It’s my Mom tone. And as much as I haven’t had to use it on my son, I’ve become more than practiced with it.

“Now. I do have a solution to propose that can help navigate the more unseemly parts of what I’ve done in regard to the potential scandal I have willingly taken part in. And that is to have someone else grade my final project.”

At this, three out of five of them lean back. How many students have they encountered like me? Strong-willed and smart, ready to bowl them over before they can do the same to me.

The dean smiles. It’s big and genuine.

“We’ve seen your video. We assume that’s to what you are referring?”

It wasn’t meant to be my thesis, but if they’ve seen it, they may as well grade me on that. The original project can still be something I do on my own. “Yes.”

“Then we can offer our own opinions when we are finished here.”

I nod, waiting for their inquiries to continue.

The woman in the middle leans on her forearms, hands folded nicely in front of her. “I only have one final question.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Did you at all feel pressured into these relationships?”

My spine straightens. “No. Not at all.”

She nods, and it looks like they all want to discuss this with each other, but I wait to be dismissed.

“Is there anything else you would like to tell us before we make a decision?”

“Nothing necessarily to add, but I do feel as if I’m owed knowing what will be done about Dr. Squires’ behavior. She not only invaded my privacy, but she shared very private moments publicly.” My face heats at the memory of it. Of the feeling of being so completely exposed.

“What do you think she should have done instead?” The dean looks a little uneasy at this question.

“What she threatened to do initially. Tell you. But she did not have the right to humiliate and expose me like that. If we’re talking about the ethical behavior between a teacher and a student, she crossed a much bigger line.”

Something I will be pressing charges for, but I won’t say as much. I don't want to tip my hand. And I don’t want the board to feel as though I’m trying to influence their decision.

He gathers his papers up into a neat stack. A clear diversion. For himself or me, I’m not sure. “I’m afraid that we can’t divulge what we will be doing about that as of yet. You will have to wait until we have finished our review of her behavior before we can share any details.”

“That is something I can live with.”

“Good.” The dean nods.

Another professor taps the folder in front of him. “We understand that you are meant to graduate this year.”

“Yes.”

“We have reviewed your credits, and if you pass all of your classes this semester, including your thesis project, you could graduate on the 15th instead. What do you say to that? If the board approves your thesis, you will take your degree, and we will no longer be responsible for anyone’s behavior.”

Graduate early? The plans I had for next semester run through my mind. Though I’d miss some things I was lookingforward to, it’s better than simply being kicked out of the college altogether. Especially without a degree.

They could devise a much worse punishment.

“I’ll take it.”

The group nods.

“Okay. Let’s take a vote.”

---