Fairfield Professor Sues Student After Dispute Over Failing Grade

FAIRFIELD, CT — A professor at Fairfield University has filed a lawsuit against a student, as well as the school, following a dispute about whether the student received an unfair grade, according to the Connecticut Post.

Sharlene McEvoy teaches business law and is asking that university officials be prohibited from changing the grade, the Post reported. In spring 2020, McEvoy administered a remote final exam, worth 100 percent of each student’s grade, and required it be delivered to her home by June 12, according to the Post. Student Joseph Moran, of New Jersey, mailed his test June 8, but it did not arrive until June 16, resulting in a failing grade, the Post reported.

Moran complained to McEvoy’s department chair and McEvoy regraded the test and gave Moran a C minus, according to the Post. Moran appealed the grade again, and the school allowed the grade to be changed to “pass." McEvoy is arguing that Moran violated university procedure by not trying to resolve the issue with her first, and she has accused the university of defamation, the Post reported.

Read more from the Connecticut Post.