It was incomprehensible to Donovan how an Education graduate from Maxwell University like himself could be held in less esteem than a mere student in the eyes of this teaching peer of his.
“Why should you not? Wouldn’t apologizing for falsely accusing someone else of wrongdoing be the proper thing to do even if you weren‘t a lecturer?” came Arthur‘s dour response.
“Mr. Brown…” Donovan looked to Marcus in the hope that the latter would speak up on his behalf.
In place of Marcus‘ usual amiable demeanor was a look of sternness. “Had Professor Sleight not brought this up, I‘d have clean forgotten about it. To date, you’ve yet to make an apology to Arielle at the assembly as you‘ve promised before.”
“I…”
“It‘s just as well,” Marcus said, cutting Donovan short. “If you‘re maligning Arielle this time without proof like you did of Arielle fighting outside of school and for the incident at the freshman party, see to it that you pay all of your dues for all three of them simultaneously.”
“Mr. Brown!” Donovan sounded seriously aggrieved. “Do you really want me to make an apology at the charitable event? As many parents would be expected to be in attendance, this would be an embarrassment to the faculty members of Jadeborough University. Is the dignity of a lecturer less important than that of a student?”
“Like payment for a debt, it‘s only right to make reparations for one‘s own mistakes. This has been the way since antiquity,” the furrowing Marcus replied. “Also, you might have been mistaken about one thing. It‘s the students, not the teachers, who are the most vital elements of the school. Thus you, as a teacher, ought to take ownership of your mistakes like a good role model to the students should. There are simply no two ways about it.”
Donovan bit down on his lip. “Fine! If nothing turned up in the footage establishing Arielle‘s guilt, then I shall publicly apologize to her. However, if she had indeed cheated, you should expel her immediately!”
Marcus assented with a nod. “Very well. Cheating has always been regarded as a serious matter, especially during such an important exam. If her guilt is established, then I shall see to her expulsion in accordance to the school rules.”
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