One professor constantly talking about other professors in class - What to do?

[Simkah]

One of my professors in my PhD program is a curmudgeonly statitician. He is an older middle-aged man with an attitude. During his data analysis class, he constantly disparages some of the other instructors, especially the director of the PhD program. This behavior is so unprofessional. I can see an occasional lapse out of frustration or needing to vent in class in front of students. But NOT every. single. class!!! Even worse, he occasionally talks about other students in the program. One student he specifically mentioned by name and talked in detail about some of her struggles with her dissertation, in most negative overtones Not only is this a violation of FERPA, it just makes me very uncomfortable. I would NEVER want to go to him with any problems I encounter in my personal research efforts, because he might talk about me in another class! This whole situation is beginning to really bother me. Any advice on what I should do?

[llg, PhD, RN]

I would discuss it with your advisor or with another trusted faculty member. Emphasize that it makes you uncomfortable and that you worry about breaches in confidentiality and/or that there will be some incident that will hurt the school. It's the faculty's job to deal with this, not yours: so, just report it and don't get too drawn into this potentially very messy situation. You don't want to get involved in a big political mess or have to suffer consequences of this guys wrath if the faculty decides to take action. If you decide to report it, make sure the person you report it to is someone you can trust to protect you.

In class, just lay low. If you feel pulled into the discussion, just say something like "I don't feel comfortable discussing this aspect of XYZ's work" and move on. Let the faculty handle it.

You also need to consider how politically powerful this guy is. If he is a full tenured professor with a lot of clout, that's very different than if he is lower on the political totem pole.

[Simkah]

llg, your wisdom never ceases to amaze me. I think I will lay low and keep my mouth shut. After much careful deliberation, I have decided that this is one battle I choose not to pursue. I will leave it to TPTB to eventually figure out what is going on and sort it out among themselves. "Silence is golden." Thank you again, my friend.

[Moogie]

I agree with the advice you've been given and I'd like to add that it would not be a good idea to tell any of the professors or instructors that this prof is talking about them. No one likes to hear if they're being badmouthed and it would do more harm than good.

Lay low. This, too, shall pass.