I think the expected response is more "oh yeah, good point!" than "I'm sorry". Both responses assume that the assessment was correct, and that's a problem.

I think the expected response is more "oh yeah, good point!" than "I'm sorry". Both responses assume that the assessment was correct, and that's a problem. The subtly critical part of the exchange takes place in public. If there's agreement that may happen publicly, but if there's disagreement it happens privately. FTFA: After this, we ask that all further discussion move off of public channels. If you are a third party, and you don't see what could be biased about the comment that was made, feel free to talk to faculty. It then become the responsibility of those around you to go find out what really went on when someone made an unfavorable claim about you. I realize the goal is to avoid prolonged "No it wasn't" "Yes it was" exchanges but this approach is asymmetrical in favoring accusation over rebuttal.