SC technical college fires professor who went public about grade inflation
More than 80 grades were inflated without professors’ consent, prompting a state probe that confirmed the Conway-based institution didn’t follow its own standards, according to a State Technical College Systeminvestigative report, multiple interviews and privately obtained documents.
At the center of the investigation was Gasque, who for months pressed college and state officials after accidentally learning of alterations affecting several of her students.
She said she was terminated for refusing to amend a grade from “incomplete” to a “withdrawal.”
Although Falbo-Gasque was still listed in the faculty directory, her office phone number had been disconnected.
HGTC spokeswoman Nicole Hyman said in an email that the college does not comment on individual personnel matters but added that HGTC “takes matters involving its employees and students seriously and follows established policies and procedures when reviewing and addressing concerns.”
“The College does not terminate employees for exercising their lawful rights or retaliate against employees for exercising those lawful rights,” she wrote. “All employees, including faculty members, are expected to fulfill the responsibilities of their positions and comply with applicable College policies, procedures, directives, and standards of conduct. Failure to meet these expectations may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.”
