was it wasteful? it's 30 cents or less per student and if it helps avoid even a single lawsuit then wouldn't it be worth it?
DNR article, but there's no way the university would be held liable if a student said gypped. If a faculty member did, still no, because no quantifiable money damages.
I suppose if a superior went around saying gypped all day and a subordinate was a gypsy and felt uncomfortable to the point of quitting he could sue, but would still probably lose.
Regardless, spending $16k per lesson in etymology is an egregious waste of resources. It's hilarious people would defend it.