In fact, he doesn't remember ever seeing them in class. The two missing students who have never attended class are real enough. They file a complaint charging racism. He is quickly branded a racist and every person who might have defended him against the false accusation runs for the nearest cover. The professor resigns from the college with his name forever dishonored.
Incapacity becomes privilege.
Innocence redeems ruthlessness. Propriety begets tyranny. Her students don't even know what it means. The very idea of American pluralism depends on voluntary associations based upon chosen religious and secular goals. In this atmosphere, Philip Roth can expect a shower of stones.