University Instructor Claims Therapist Is “Obsessed” With Him Sharing Edibles With His Students
We all know that moment when we feel we’ve found a perfect balance between professional authority and being a relatable peer. For one 35-year-old university instructor, that balance involved more than just casual conversation—it involved sharing potent cannabis edibles with the very students he was supposed to be mentoring. Want the juicy details on how this academic boundary blurred?
The narrator sets the stage by highlighting a perceived lack of hierarchy, framing his relationship with his students as one of mutual respect and friendship.
A sharp contrast emerges between the instructor’s casual ‘sharing’ and the therapist’s alarm over professional ethics.
The tension peaks as the instructor dismisses the therapist’s professional concern as an ‘obsession,’ ignoring the potential legal and career-ending stakes.
The instructor’s behavior highlights a classic breakdown of professional boundaries, often seen when individuals in positions of authority prioritize being ‘liked’ over their ethical responsibilities. This situation creates what psychologists call a dual relationship, where the lines between a professional role and a personal friendship become dangerously blurred. Even if the students are consenting adults, the instructor still holds the power of grading and academic influence, which creates an inherent power imbalance. By introducing controlled substances into this dynamic, the instructor risks his career and the students’ safety. It is advisable to maintain clear distinctions between social life and professional duties to ensure ethical conduct. Seeking a second professional opinion on academic ethics might help the instructor understand the gravity of his actions.
Community Opinions
The Reddit community was nearly unanimous in their verdict, with many users expressing genuine shock at the instructor's lack of professional self-preservation.
While the instructor eventually conceded that he was in the wrong, several commenters pointed out that his dismissal of the therapist's warnings was the most concerning part of the story.
This scenario serves as a stark reminder that professional ethics don’t vanish just because the clock stops or the semester ends. While the instructor viewed himself as a ‘cool mentor’ helping students stay safe, the consensus is that he was actually risking his entire career and the students’ academic integrity. It raises a difficult question about the nature of authority in modern education.
Do you think a teacher can ever truly be ‘just a friend’ to their students, or does the power imbalance make that impossible? And if you were in his shoes, would you trust your therapist’s warning or follow your own intuition? Share your hot take below!
