I study architecture, I’ve been at this school going on 3 years now although I’ve only completed my first year before taking a break. I think I’ve been subject to abusive behavior by administrators, teachers, and students. I’ve overheard school secretaries refer to me as ‘the ugly one’, teachers talk down to me, students heckle me while I present my projects, and it’s obvious this is motivated by transphobic bigotry.

I emailed the lady in charge of my program, the person who recruited me because I felt like she might be someone I can confide in. I detailed several stories and instances of harassment.

She wrote back to me today saying,

‘I hope you find yourself well, I profoundly regret that you’ve felt this way at the School.

The Dean of the school and I want to schedule a meeting with you next week to discuss this situation, preferably in the morning and not on tuesday since she has class.

Thanks’

I honestly don’t know what I expected from the email I sent. I just wanted to share my pain with someone, someone I barely know but think might be an ally since they recruited me in the first place. I don’t and didn’t expect them to actually do anything about it.

Am I wrong for reading this response and thinking none of these people actually care, and that they’re going to run a train on my ass in the meeting to cover up any legal issues?

Should I, like, be bringing a lawyer or something?

  • D61 [any]
    ·
    2 years ago

    Its the same thing as, "never say you are sorry if you were in a fender bender, it is possible that a lawyer could use those words and claim that you were admitting fault." They don't know what happened, they might not ever be able to know what happened, so need to avoid any phrases that could be interpreted as "admitting guilt or acknowledging wrongdoing."

    Doesn't have to mean they don't care about you or the situation but have to play the word game because this could become a legal issue.

    • gueybana [any]
      ·
      2 years ago

      oh god what have i gotten myself into. NGL i already feel embarrassed about sending the email. I’m not a lawyer and I’m not quick on my feet. I really, really hope this is not some interrogation where they get me to say something extremely dumb.

      • D61 [any]
        ·
        2 years ago

        Take a deep breath. Its going to be okay.

        If you start to feel uncomfortable in the meeting, for any reason, you can always try to let them know and reschedule the meeting at a later date to give you time to collect yourself. If they start to get shitty about it, then that could be a red flag that you definitely need to come back with some outside support.