Happened once to a Late colleague of mine, though the circumstances were different. When pushed to award an undeserved grade he replied: “You are my supervisor. I will certainly comply as soon as I receive the order in writing and signed.” Silence ensued.
Did that in my last job (non teaching).
Was asked to violate an USDA and FDA law. One that would have landed me and the company in very hot water and possible jail time if I did it. My review was “Your integrity cost us market share!”
It was a career ending move in that industry. MY personal rule #2 is “I’m not going to jail for these bastards!”
“Happened once to a Late colleague of mine, though the circumstances were different. When pushed to award an undeserved grade he replied: “You are my supervisor. I will certainly comply as soon as I receive the order in writing and signed.” Silence ensued.”
An excellent response by your late colleague.
In institutions where 90% of the faculty are part-time “at will” instructors eaking out a living as “freeway fliers,” patching together several part time teaching job to pay the rent, that choice of the high route is an even bigger choice. I wish I could say that was my reason. As I think back on the situation, I think that not only cowardice, but fear of crossing an affirmative action dean who reported to higher up affirmative action administrators, was probably the cause.