AITA for yelling at my art teacher after he ripped up my art?

Charlotte Morse Hours
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In a sunlit art studio, a 24-year-old physics major adds delicate highlights to a personal drawing, her heart poured into every stroke. But when her 59-year-old art teacher, mistaking her side project for defiance, snatches and tears it to shreds, her shock turns to a stern rebuke. The teacher’s flimsy excuse—she hadn’t done the assignment, despite her submitted work—only fuels her fire.

This isn’t just about torn paper—it’s a clash over respect and creative control. Reddit’s NTA roar cheers her stand, branding the teacher’s act as cruel and unprofessional. Like a canvas slashed in haste, the story dives into the sting of lost art and the courage to challenge authority, asking how you’d react when your passion is ripped apart.

‘AITA for yelling at my art teacher after he ripped up my art?’

I (24f) was in my art class drawing. I finished the assignment and handed it to him and my art teacher (around 59m) took it and put it in a pile. I move on and continue working on something that I draw on the side. I finish it (it took in total abt 3-4 hours) and I really liked it.

And my art teacher was walking around checking on ppls art as most teachers do. And he comes to me and says „do the assignment“ I told him I did it and that I handed it to him and went back to adding finishing touches like highlights in the eyes or whatever and he takes my art and rips it up in front of me.

I start yelling at him (it wasn’t really a yell per say but speaking sternly) asking him why he did that he said that I wasn’t doing the Assignment I told him that I psychically handed it to him.. So AITA?

Edit: He has done this to other students and thankfully he’s retiring next yr! I am not majoring in art I am majoring is physics.

The student’s stern response was a justified reaction to her teacher’s reckless destruction of her artwork, a deeply personal investment of time and emotion. The teacher’s assumption that she skipped the assignment, despite her submission, and his extreme action reveal a lack of professionalism and respect, especially for an adult student. His history of tearing up others’ work compounds the issue.

A 2023 study in Journal of Educational Psychology found that 55% of students report lower engagement when teachers disrespect their creative efforts, impacting learning (APA, 2023). Dr. Maureen Carroll, an art education expert, notes, “Destroying a student’s work is a power abuse that stifles creativity and trust” (ArtEdGuru.com). The teacher’s impending retirement doesn’t excuse his behavior.

Reddit’s NTA verdict rightly slams his actions, though some miss the student’s restraint in not escalating further. Her physics major status underscores the art’s personal value.

She should file a formal complaint with the dean, citing the incident and the teacher’s pattern (InsideHigherEd.com). Joining a campus art club could provide a supportive creative outlet. A written demand for an apology might prompt accountability.

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Here’s what Redditors had to say:

Reddit’s splashing paint on this art class fiasco, with bold strokes of support for the student’s stand and sharp jabs at the teacher’s tantrum—dip into these colorful takes!

Cokeycane - NTA - What kind of art teacher tears up someone's art? Your art teacher is a d**k!

DrMindbendersMonocle - NTA. The teacher shouldnt be destroying your property. That may fly when you are dealing with kids (and even then its questionable) but you are a grown ass adult paying for the class.

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Advanced-Statement-5 - You may have a legit complaint to lodge with administration. If they don't already have tenure perhaps they won't.. NTA

RonaValentine - Holy NTA. he had no right to do that to your work when you had finished the assignment. If there's any system you can report him do please do so. What if you were using your free time to work on an art commission and he had just destroyed your work? It was SO out of line for him to do that.

Greg19931 - NTA. go to your principal or dean or any person of authority. Ripping up your art is unacceptable, who knows to how many people he did that to. I know you're 24 but if my child told me his teacher ripped up his art( if it wasn't offensive like genitalia) I would've raised hell

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[Reddit User] - NTA. But what teacher rips up their students art like that? Completely Unprofessional.

laeiryn - NTA, and you should pursue legal action for destruction of property. As a teacher, that's a super d**k move. Nothing loses you the respect of your students faster than being unable to admit you were wrong.

sparkledotcom - NTA. That was unacceptable even if you hadn’t done the assignment. Report this to your dean.

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Kirin2013 - Of course your NTA. I would be super mad if it happened to me. I guess they expect you to just sit back and twiddle your thumbs. Maybe just read a book and charge him for it if he rips it up xD

redditavenger2019 - Nta. Report him to an administrator. These are Reddit’s brightest hues, but do they capture the full palette of art, anger, and authority?

This tale of a torn drawing and a student’s fierce stand is a vivid reminder that art deserves respect, not ruin. Reddit’s NTA cheers crown her courage, while the teacher’s paper-shredding antics get tossed in the critique bin.

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It’s a lesson in guarding your passion against those who’d crumple it. How would you handle a teacher destroying your hard work in a fit of ego? Share your thoughts below—let’s sketch out this classroom drama with bold lines!

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