My name is Tiffany Martínez. As a McNair Fellow and student scholar, I’ve presented at national conferences in San Francisco, San Diego, and Miami. I have crafted a critical reflection piece that was published in a peer-reviewed journal managed by the Pell Institute for the Study of Higher Education and Council for Opportunity in Education. I have consistently juggled at least two jobs and maintained the status of a full-time student and Dean’s list recipient since my first year at Suffolk University. I have used this past summer to supervise a teen girls empower program and craft a thirty page intensive research project funded by the federal government. As a first generation college student, first generation U.S. citizen, and aspiring professor I have confronted a number of obstacles in order to earn every accomplishment and award I have accumulated. In the face of struggle, I have persevered and continuously produced content that is of high caliber.
I name these accomplishments because I understand the vitality of credentials in a society where people like me are not set up to succeed. My last name and appearance immediately instills a set of biases before I have the chance to open my mouth. These stereotypes and generalizations forced on marginalized communities are at times debilitating and painful. As a minority in my classrooms, I continuously hear my peers and professors use language that both covertly and overtly oppresses the communities I belong to. Therefore, I do not always feel safe when I attempt to advocate for my people in these spaces. In the journey to become a successful student, I swallow the “momentary” pain from these interactions and set my emotions aside so I can function productively as a student.
Today is different. At eight o’clock this morning, I felt both disrespected and invalidated. For years I have spent ample time dissecting the internalized racism that causes me to doubt myself, my abilities, and my aspirations. As a student in an institution extremely populated with high-income white counterparts, I have felt the bitter taste of not belonging. It took until I used my cloud of doubt and my sociological training to realize that my insecurities are rooted in the systems I navigate every day. I am just as capable if not more so than those around me and my accomplishments are earned.
This morning, my professor handed me back a paper (a literature review) in front of my entire class and exclaimed “this is not your language.” On the top of the page they wrote in blue ink: “Please go back and indicate where you cut and paste.” The period was included. They assumed that the work I turned in was not my own. My professor did not ask me if it was my language, instead they immediately blamed me in front of peers. On the second page the professor circled the word “hence” and wrote in between the typed lines “This is not your word.” The word “not” was underlined. Twice. My professor assumed someone like me would never use language like that. As I stood in the front of the class while a professor challenged my intelligence I could just imagine them reading my paper in their home thinking could someone like her write something like this?
In this interaction, my undergraduate career was both challenged and critiqued. It is worth repeating how my professor assumed I could not use the word “hence,” a simple transitory word that connected two relating statements. The professor assumed I could not produce quality research. The professor read a few pages that reflected my comprehension of complex sociological theories and terms and invalidated it all. Their blue pen was the catalyst that opened an ocean of self-doubt that I worked so hard to destroy. In front of my peers, I was criticized by a person who had the academic position I aimed to acquire. I am hurting because my professor assumed that the only way I could produce content as good as this was to “cut and paste.” I am hurting because for a brief moment I believed them.
Instead of working on my English paper that is due tomorrow, I felt it crucial to reflect on the pain that I am sick of swallowing. My work is a reflection of my growth in a society that sees me as the other. For too long I have others assume I am weak, unintelligent, and incapable of my own success. Another element of this invalidation is that as I sit here with teary eyes describing the distress I am too familiar with, the professor has probably forgotten all about it. My heartache can not be universally understood and until it is, I have to continue to fight. At this moment, there are students who will never understand the desolation that follows an underlined “not.” There are students who will be assumed capable without the need to list their credentials in the beginning of a reflective piece. How many degrees do I need for someone to believe I am an academic?
At this moment, I am in the process of advocating for myself to prove the merit of my content to people who will never understand what it is like to be someone like me. Some of you won’t understand how every word that I use to describe this moment was diligently selected in a way that would properly reflect my intellect. I understand that no matter how hard I try or how well I write, these biases will continue to exist around me. I understand that my need to fight against these social norms is necessary.
In reality, I am tired and I am exhausted. On one hand, this experience solidifies my desire to keep going and earn a PhD but on the other it is a confirmation of how I always knew others saw me. I am so emotional about this paper because in the phrase “this is not your word,” I look down at a blue inked reflection of how I see myself when I am most suspicious of my own success. The grade on my paper was not a letter, but two words: “needs work.” And it’s true. I am going to graduate in May and enter a grad program that will probably not have many people who look like me. The entire field of academia is broken and erases the narratives of people like me. We all have work to do to fix the lack of diversity and understanding among marginalized communities. We all have work to do.
Academia needs work.
TIFFANY MARTÍNEZ 
While I was in school, I did not have this experience, but since graduating 20 years ago, I have experienced looks of incredulity that I graduated from a top 20 school.
When your perception shifts, you realize that you can also shift the power of the oppressor. Stand tall, report his biased behavior, and own your place in academia.
Sending love and strength.
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Thanks for writing this Tiffany. I hope that this person bears the consequences of his actions. So ch people are not fit to teach.
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I applaud you. I stand by you. #IAMTIFFANYMARTINEZ
I understand you.
Never. Give. Up.
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I applaud you and stand by you, as well. I have faced similar circumstances and have always felt the need to list my credentials.
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Sounds like grounds for a civil rights lawsuit against the instructor and the school. Do please let folks know how this story turns out.
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Dear Tiffany,
I ended up at your blog post after it was shared on Facebook by a former colleague of mine.
As a woman of color and former teacher, I am very angry on your behalf about your professor’s obnoxious, ignorant assumption that your literature review was not your own work.
Here is what I would say to your professor if I had the opportunity.
“Your uncritical embrace of racial stereotypes is embarrassing and it makes you an ineffective, poor teacher. Effective professors are able to recognize students’ talent and help them grow academically. Effective teachers are able to teach all students (not just white students), including ones from a variety of different racial and cultural backgrounds. Effective professors have conversations with students when they suspect plagiarism; they do not just arrogantly assume that their biased thinking reflects the truth.
You obviously do not belong at Suffolk University because your racist thinking makes you incapable of effectively teaching students of color. As a professor capable of effectively teaching only students of your own race, you lack the basic skills necessary to do your job. If I could decide your fate, I would happily fire you and replace you with someone who could more effectively promote the success of all students, both white students and students of color. Your racist thinking has no place at Suffolk University.”
Tiffany, I am so sorry that you have to continually face professors and peers whose ignorance and racism is so toxic to your system. I wish you self compassion and strength as you continue to navigate academia and figure out what your next right action should be.
With love,
Abie Baafi
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Reblogged this on My Atheist Blog.
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Please be encouraged by all of us who hold you in the highest regard. I urge you to report this incident to the McNair Scholars, and the chairpersons of every organization that invited you to present. Wrap yourself in our support and take this to the president of the university. Seek support from the campus diversity office while publicizing your complaint. I doubt this instructor’s abhorrent behavior is an isolated incident.
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Thank you for sharing your experience. I’m a 26 year old white woman whose eyes are still being opened to the heartbreaking situations people of color face. You write beautifully, and I admire you. I believe that those who pour concrete can hardly believe that a rose still grows. Please don’t get distracted by the biases of concrete pourers; just keep growing and blooming.
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I’m so angry for you. So angry. I have so much love for you. Even if you were just any glassy eyed student and not one who has gone to such lengths to break ahead of the pack, you deserve respect. Your work deserves respect, but you, too, as a person, deserve respect. I know that we do not deserve you, but I ask you to see it through. You are clearly a humanitarian soul. Know that those who are challenged by what you embody are those who need most desperately to be challenged. Know that when your success makes someone uncomfortable, they truly deserve to be uncomfortable. It doesn’t make what you’re going through any easier, but you are doing something important for the ones who will come after you.
With humblest respect.
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Reblogged this on Kat Posts.
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Academia does need work. It also desperately needs you. Don’t give up. Show this fool what’s what.
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I am a university registrar and I am absolutely disgusted by the experience you went through – truly shocking that we are still dealing with this sort of nonsensical issue in this day and age, but clearly based on your experiences and the multitude of others it’s prevalent still.
My recommendation, for what it’s worth, would be to make an appointment with your school’s Provost or Dean of the Faculty (the titles vary, though the overall function tends to be fairly similar) and bring this to his/her attention and then file a formal grievance based on racial bias. My reason for doing it this way is this: while it’s all well and good to lament how someone acts, what will REALLY stick it to them is their paycheck. And a formal grievance (even if it’s found eventually not to be again university policy for some reason… though I can’t imagine that it would happen) remains on a faculty member’s record during his or her Advancement Promition and Tensure review. Long story short: GET IT ON RECORD.
And good luck, girl. We’re not all bad. Stay strong and know that there are plenty of us out there who’ve got your back!
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I’m also a college student. A social studies education major. This should never of happened. He accused you of plagiarism because of ONE WORD?! This professor needs to be named and shamed. I am so sorry this happened to you. You deserve better. What did he expect you to do? MAKE UP WORDS in order to assure him they had not been used by anyone else ever? I’m so, so sorry.
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As a professor of writing and literature, I am appalled that you were treated this way. Do not let this inexcusable and reprehensible behavior discourage you. We academics aren’t all bad, and I am sure you will enrich the profession with your insights. Academia needs intelligent and compassionate people like yourself who understand the challenges faced by minority students. Your writing is absolutely stunning, by the way. As many have commented, your instructor needs to be reported. Their behavior surely violates student-teacher conduct policies at your school; I’m sure of it. Thank you for sharing this.
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“Hence” is your word.
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Thank you for sharing your experience. Racism is so pervasive in our culture that even some of the other comments above mine make racist assumptions and probably don’t even realize it. Ugh. Hang in there.
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My freshman year at a university I was placed in the honors class and when the professor saw my face which was very Native, she told me I was in the wrong class and dropped me from her class and suggested another class…apparently because I was educated on the reservation I was not fit to be part of the all non-“diverse” group of students.
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Looking forward to an update to this story with a picture of your professor with egg on his face.
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Reblogged this on and commented:
As a woman of colour in a predominantly white campus, this infuriates me. It is so shameful that you, and many other minority students like us constantly actively/passively have to prove ourselves in academia. Wonderful piece.
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As the offspring of aa administrator for one of the most lauded biotech programs in the country, I showed her your post tonight, and her rage was palpable. Her advice matches my gut instinct – take this all the way up the chain of ccommand. Advocate for yyourself using your clearly masterful grasp on all of the words in any language you feel appropriate necessary to get your well thought out point aacros, using those words written by the bigot your institution so erroneously employed in blue as your evidence and support.
We hear you, we see you, we are rooting for you, and we support you. We ccan’t wait to see you take even more of the world by storm.
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What is the Professor’s name?
The only “C” I received in college was from my Creative writing Professor. My stories were almost never relating a Latino theme. I think that’s what she wanted.
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You got this girl! If you believe you will succeed!I had a very similar problem happen to me in both high school and undergraduate school. I am now completing my Master’s in Information Science, and currently applying to Phd programs. I am also a first generation Mexican American and the first grandchild that will earn a Masters Degree. Keep going, work hard, and never let your head drop. Knowledge is power and you got this!
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As a black woman Ph.D professor I am appalled that anyone can be accused of plagiarising one word! This person needs to be called out immediately. That is completely unacceptable to do to any student.
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As a recent Master’s graduate, I am outraged that you have to experience these feelings of self doubt because of the “academic arrogance” of dome of your professors. These individuals should NEVER be allowed to set foot in a classroom; but because of their degrees, and or some paper they penned, they end up behind a desk or in front of a classroom. You must believe in yourself, and continue to take the “high road,” even though it may be difficult. Good luck and please keep us posted!
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Most academically talented young people of color have at least one or two stories like this–the moment it became clear that they have so deeply underestimated you. I’m sorry you experienced this, but it is going to make you stronger.
Please do not let the matter go quietly. Talk to your department chair and your school’s diversity coordinator. This is probably not the first time that professor has done something like this, and unless you put it on the record and push back, it won’t be the last, either.
Keep your head held high. You’ll be a better scholar and professor than he ever was.
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Hi Tiffany. Your experience is so similar to my own that it is uncanny. I was 16 and had to complete a report on something I cannot quite remember. Me, being an adolescent smart arse, made up the entire report, and even the references. And yet, I was accused of plagiarism! I still remember the teacher’s comment. “It is clear most of this was copied verbatim from concise critiques.” When I confronted him about it he refused to budge. He just couldn’t believe I, an immigrant’s son, could write like that. But I am now 41, and this was Australia in the 90’s. I am sorry but not surprised that this is still happening today in America (where I now live). It’s obvious that you are well on your way already, but if it’s any consolation I have had a pretty successful career as a writer, albeit in advertising. Stay confident in your own abilities and ‘henceforth’ you’ll be fine.
And your words will make him eat his own.
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Yes agreed! Keep fighting sister! The world is broken but don’t let the social forces that be cause you to believe that you can’t, never, or could never. Your hard work will be noticed and I believe that this will be a humbling experience for your professor and possibly the administration at your school. Hoping and praying that some good come out of this experience. Please make sure to update us on what happens. You are not alone sis. You are not alone.
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STAY STRONG! You are not alone! Doing my best to make sure this goes viral. As others have said, seek out an ombudsman. They can help you weigh your options in confidence. STAY STRONG! Thank you for sharing, I know it’s not easy. YOU MATTER, YOUR NARRATIVE MATTERS.
To remix Gabby’s sign-off: Love and support from your fellow POC (Black) academic
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I understand where you are coming from as a woman of color and a doctoral candidate I can honestly tell you it does not get any easier. At times it seems I am working twice as hard to be stuck in the same spot. I wish you success fellow Queen in all that you do, I would request that your instructor reference the source that you. “Allegedly” cut and paste from. As they tell us numerous times over cite your source for such conclusion and see what happens. Show them that your will can not be moved!
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Keep going and don’t give up! I am sorry it is so hard, but academia needs you! When I went to graduate school in Las Vegas, Nevada, I attended a beginning of the year luncheon for all the graduate students. I looked around the room and everyone was white. There were a few Southeast Asian students and other Asian students but not a single other person of color. In the Southwest United States, not a single person of color. I am white and at that moment it smacked me, how institutionalized racism is in this country. When I was in the military there was so much diversity. Lily white academia is not a true reflection of this country, and it needs to be. There is more diversity and intellect in the armed forces than there is on college campuses and that is wrong. I am so sorry you are experiencing this, but please don’t give up. Your voice and the voices of other people need to be present in all parts of this society. It’s the only way academia, and this country, can grow. So, I thank you for your service.
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Asian people are People of Color. If you mean Black people or Latinx people, say that, please. POC doesn’t and never was meant to just mean Black.
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I was just going to sit and read the comments but this one stuck out. This was completely and totally inappropriate for the subject matter. This blog is about the author’s experience ONLY. You did NOT need to come here and check her grammar usage. This was what she was complaining about.
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I’m so so sorry this happened to you. This professor is not just inappropriate, but clearly racist. You should definitely complain, all the way up, if you have the support to do so.
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When, as a professor, I note something is not “in their language”, I am comparing the work to other work turned in by the same student. It is rare to have a student turn in word salad all semester, and then suddenly present an erudite analysis of a complex topic. Students do not suddenly change voice mid-way through a course, either. Sudden lucidity is a big red flag in academia.
However, pointing it out in public is also not a a good plan. If I suspect plagiarism, I also hunt down the source myself. In this day and age of Google, a few well-placed quotation marks reveals much. If it is necessary to confront a student in a public form (such as a classroom), it is also necessary to have clear and pressing evidence that there is a problem. I usually print out the original material, highlight the similarities or direct theft (color coded, so that the matching passages are the same color), and make sure I can explain why this is plagiarism, and therefore I have nothing to evaluate for a grade for the student.
I have had students cut and paste to the point they forget (or don’t know how) to remove hyperlinks in their text, or change the font color or type between cuts and pastes. I have had students buy papers from cheat sites, then sell the papers to another cheat site with their name and class information still attached. I have had students shocked that I was able to track down the source of their plagiarized text because they thought it was an “obscure” website or article. I have had students cut and paste from my own dissertation. Every single one of them complained that I was accusing them of plagiarizing, even after being shown the color-coded, highlighted source material and paper side-by-side.
Plagiarism is very real, it is theft, it is a very serious problem, and it is cheating not only student who is doing it, but all of my other students- the VAST majority of them- who are busting their butts to get their work done (on time) and actually learn. It is also a very serious accusation that should never be made lightly. When a professor accuses a student of plagiarism, they have to be ready to back up that accusation in front of their dean, because that is who the issue should be reported to (not to other students, in front of the class).
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She obviously IS a capable writer, though. She doesn’t avoid formal language. The post is conversational, but well crafted.
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And, as you noted, the professor made an accusation without proof. If plagiarism is such a terrible scourge within academia, one would think the professor would do their due diligence.
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Thank you for the tedious explanation of what plagiarism is and how students who actually plagiarize often operate
it’s definitely relevant and necessary
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I wish I could say I am surprised by this. I am not. Horrified, yes. Angry, yes. Surprised, unfortunately, no. I can only offer my condolences, tell you, that it SHOULD NOT BE THIS WAY, and say I hope like hell you reported your professor. I will share this because, just as with every injustice it needs to be shared so that perhaps it will make a difference.
I wish you well in your studies, you don’t need luck, you’ve got this.
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Your writing is crafted, intentional, well thought out, deep and significant. Looking forward to what you bring beyond the academy!
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Outrageous. You shouldn’t have to put up with this. Hope you get the support you need to address this situation.
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I just want to send you a note of support. I’m angry for you. The world needs your work. Thank you for sticking it out.
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I think your message is fabulous! I do think that if you are advocating so strongly for your obvious amount of intelligence, you might want to proof your post one or two more times prior to posting. Just a tip and keep going strong! Don’t let the haters get you down;)
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Thank you for sharing this dehumanizing experience with the world. Your writing is incredibly powerful and your courage palpable. This experience resonates with me on many levels – from the accusation of plagiarism to the internalized oppression to the journey of self-reflection and realization that my life is heavily impacted by oppressive social systems to assumption of incompetence based on stereotypes. I hope you find a way set this professor straight and send a message to the school while you’re at it. Stay strong!
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Keep fighting… But also remember to take care of your self. The fight never ends, and at 42 this professor in the sciences is burnt out from fighting.
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Bravo!
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No need to swallow! Report this person, look for the venues offered by your institution. If you can’t find them, make an appointment with the Dean of Students, ASAP! Do not take this! Fight back, and make this a teaching moment for that professor and many others.
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Thank you for sharing your struggle. I recently started law school and as a first generation English speaker and college grad, I do not feel like I belong. While I am educated and was accepter into the school through my own merits, I am constantly doubted and challenged. In a sea of whit faces, I actively choose to use accessible language since I am working to make law accessible to marginalized people who are not as fortunate as me to go on to higher education.
Every day is a struggle to remind my self that I not only belong there but I SHOULD be there. Our work will, one day, help others feel like they do belong in higher education.
As people have mentioned, you have the right to report this instructor so that they and other professors realize this type of attitude and clear prejudice is not acceptable.
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Tiffany,
Microagressions are based on the perpetrators real or imagined biases against the individual. Then, due to their privilege, the pressure falls on the individual to either prove the offense to the perpetrators or let it go. Like others, I hope you share this with someone higher up than this professor. They do not own language nor do they get to be a gatekeeper of whom can and cannot use words.
As a fellow McNair Scholar from ’07, I want to offer you solidarity. Keep going- the MSP was created because academia needs to change. You are amazing, capable, and accomplised; and that, makes you intimidating to others fragile egos that are not your problem. I’m excited for what you will do and even without knowing you, I’m proud of all you have done.
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I’m with you in spirit hermanx and am sending you so much strength and love. I am very proud of you even though I do not know you, and know your experiences and ancestors will guide you in your next steps whether it be to report the professor (which I hope you consider because this is just immoral) or continue to show them you are not going anywhere and better get used to. Again, so much strength and love.
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I know exactly how you feel. As many other comments already said it: Do not give up. As a first generation student that just finished an MBA..and could identify with a lot of the things that you wrote. I am certain that together we will thrive!
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Hi Tiffany,
I truly appreciate what you’ve shared with us. I understand how you’re feeling because I also went to Suffolk University, I’m a person of color, and one of my professors attempted to fail me in front of his class.
If you want to confront this professor in some way or report them, let me know if I can help.
From one minority academic to another.
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When I attended East west University in Chicago, I tutored Asian kids and Middle Eastern as well.
Graduated with a Bachelors Degree, Honors row and Deans List Certificate; as a Latino student it’s stereotypical that others will deem Latinos as mediocre.
In reality we are acheivers and love to propel and surpass objectives.
Instructors/professors need to realize that the potential and dedication for academic success is in the heart of the Spanish people.
In modern times our creative thinking, didactics are more sharper than the past and past generation. Moreover our results have broken a systematic expectation of drop outs, bad hombres and illegals who depend on the a welfare system.
Anyways…keep your head up and don’t let those professors who have an antiquated way of thinking because professors get younger by the year and have a better understanding of the new era.
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Great PIECE!! I think that many African Americans in higher academia can relate to the experience and feeling of their intellect being challenged. Be encouraged!!
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I’m no expert on academic impropriety, but your prof’s behavior sounds inappropriate. Did you report her?
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Tiffany, This professor is an asshole, and should be publicly hung out to dry. Get right up in his face, and at the top of your lungs, yell “How DARE you accuse me of plagiarism, in public, based on prejudice!”
Then haul his ass up in front of whatever disciplinary board is handy.
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