When Malicious Compliance Meets History Class: How a Tape Recorder and the ADA Schooled a Smug Professor
History is full of epic battles, but sometimes the most satisfying victories happen in a college classroom. Imagine facing off not against enemy armies, but an overzealous professor who thinks he knows the only “right” way to learn. For Reddit user u/Filthylittleferrent, the battlefield was American History 101. The weapon of choice? A microcassette tape recorder. The objective? Win back the right to learn in peace—and teach a smug lecturer a little lesson in the process.
This is the story of how one student’s clever (and hilarious) malicious compliance turned a would-be academic showdown into a masterclass in standing up for yourself—one cassette at a time.
Let’s set the scene: u/Filthylittleferrent (let’s call them Ferrent) is a college student with Tourette’s and ADHD, raised by a pro teacher mom who made sure they always had the accommodations needed to succeed. Writing by hand? Absolute agony. Ferrent’s pencil was, as their mom joked, their “biggest enemy in learning.” Not only did it physically hurt, but it also made it nearly impossible to keep up with lectures or absorb anything not directly on the projector.
But Ferrent wasn’t about to let a cramping hand stand in the way of academic success. With the right accommodations—extra test time, a notetaker, and the ability to record lectures—they cruised through college, making the Dean’s List and proving that learning styles aren’t one-size-fits-all. Enter: History Class and the professor who thought otherwise.
This professor was apparently born to lecture—charismatic, engaging, and (fittingly) named after a Confederate general. He assigned his TA to provide notes, and all was well—until he noticed Ferrent wasn’t also scribbling away in their own notebook. According to this “God’s gift to teaching,” the only way to learn was to write your own notes. No notes, no accommodations. Yikes.
Despite Ferrent’s impressive grades and a clear explanation of their disability and learning style, the professor wouldn’t budge. So, Ferrent did what any resourceful student would do: they offered a compromise. “I’ll record your lectures,” Ferrent said, dusting off a tape recorder (this was apparently pre-smartphone era, or maybe just retro chic). The professor agreed, and the notetaking accommodation was restored.
Here’s where the malicious compliance magic happens. Ferrent dutifully brought the tape recorder, turned it on, and… never listened to a single second of those tapes. Each cassette only lasted about three-quarters of a class, so sometimes they’d flip it; other times, they’d just record over the previous week. The professor was satisfied, believing that Ferrent was “doing it right” by his arbitrary standards, while Ferrent was free to actually focus on the lecture and—shocker—keep crushing those grades.
It’s a classic case of “give them exactly what they ask for, but not what they want.” Ferrent’s compliance was technically perfect, but completely defeated the professor’s point. The best part? Ferrent knew they could (and maybe should) have reported the professor for violating their ADA rights, but in the end, they chose the path of least resistance—and maximum irony.
What can we learn from this tape-fueled tale? First, never underestimate the power of a clever workaround. Second, accommodations exist for a reason, and no matter how charismatic your professor is, they don’t get to override your needs just because they think they know best. And third—sometimes, the best way to win is to play by the rules in the most literal (and hilarious) way possible.
Let’s be real: everyone has their own learning style. Some people thrive on handwritten notes and color-coded binders. Others absorb information better by listening, watching, or even just by being present and engaged. For students with disabilities, accommodations aren’t a “bonus”—they’re the difference between succeeding and being left behind.
So here’s to Ferrent, their tape recorder, and all the students out there who find creative ways to succeed despite the system’s quirks (and the occasional stubborn professor). Have you ever had to pull a little malicious compliance to get what you needed in school or at work? Share your stories in the comments below—we could all use a little inspiration (and maybe a laugh).
History may remember the big battles, but sometimes the best victories happen one microcassette at a time.
What’s your best “malicious compliance” moment? Drop it below and join the conversation!
Original Reddit Post: Malicious compliance in history lecture