A Canadian college is under attack after a student who lived in Myanmar during a violent military coup asked to postpone an exam – but was rejected by a professor, who asked ironically if his internet “went down with COVID 19”.
York University officials apologized after the anonymous student told the professor that internet and cell phone services were about to be cut amid the riot in the Asian country, according to Canadian broadcaster CBC.
“Can I ask for a postponement?” asked the student, according to images that circulated widely online on Thursday.
But the unsympathetic educator ridiculed the request for clemency.
“Last chance, bad sign. Even the internet went down with COVID-19? ”The instructor replied.
The student then explained it better.
“The internet has not fallen [COVID-19]. There was a military coup where I live and almost 200 protesters were shot [as of] now. The regime decided to turn off all communications until tomorrow, ”they wrote.
As if responding to a student complaining of a cold, the teacher then doubles down – warning that they must worry about missing the exam.
“Of course you should [worry]. The next time you lose something, it’s over, ”replies the teacher.
“By the way, your comments (both related to this course and your country) made me think about how you understand the reality”, continues the educator. “People are not shot just for protesting, but for much deeper reasons.”
A school spokesman insisted that the exchange did not reflect the school’s values.
“York University is committed to upholding and promoting the values of respect, equity, diversity and inclusion on our campuses and in our communication,” said York University principal spokeswoman Barbara Joy in a statement.