Liping Liu, a professor at the University of Akron, vowed to boost her female students’ grades. The information systems analysis and design teacher wanted to offset gender imbalances. Liu has worked at the University of Akron since 2001.

The professor had sent out an email to his students saying, “FYI, your grade has been sent to the university register. The following categories of students may see their grades raised one level or two: Female students (it is a national movement to encourage female students to go to information sciences)”.

Liu also planned to help other students’ grades adding, “Students who had earned scores in exams (especially final exams) demonstrating a higher performance than their calculated ones; Students who attended class but missed reporting attendance (as long as I can tell)”.

However his plan failed, as University officials heard of his email. Several students spoke out saying they were disappointed with their professors plan. While they acknowledge that it was a noble thing to encourage female students, most agreed this was not the way to do it.

The University made a statement on the matter expressing that they do “not discriminate on the basis of sex”. They also added that they advised the professor of the schools policies. Liu promised to listen to the strict standards of the university.

Liu’s intentions, however, can be understood. According to FOX-8, only 9 of the 68 students majoring in information systems at the University of Akron in the Spring 2018 semester are females. Hopefully the professor can find another way to encourage females to choose this major, but remain fair to other students.