A Canadian college is under fire after a student who lived in Myanmar during a violent military coup asked to postpone an exam – but was blown away by a professor, who mockingly asked if they internet ‘comes down to COVID 19.’
York University officials have apologized after the unnamed student told the teacher that internet and cellular services will soon be cut amid the mutiny in the Asian country, according to Canadian broadcaster CBC.
“May I have an extension please?” asked the student, according to screenshots that were widely circulated online Thursday.
But the unsympathetic educator mocked the request for indulgence.
‘Last chance, bad sign. Even the internet came down with COVID-19? ”Answers the instructor.
The student then explained further.
‘The internet did not come [COVID-19]. There was a military coup where I live and almost 200 protesters were shot [as of] now. The regime has decided to suspend all communication tomorrow, “they wrote.
As if responding to a student complaining of a cold in the head, the teacher then doubles down and warns him to be careful not to miss the test.
‘Of course you have to [worry]. The next time you miss something, it’s over, ‘the teacher replied.
“By the way, your comments (which relate to both this course and your home country) made me wonder how you understand reality,” the educator continues. “People are not shot just to protest, but for much deeper reasons.”
A spokesperson for the school maintains that the exchange does not reflect the values of the school.
“York University is committed to upholding and promoting the values of respect, fairness, diversity and inclusion on our campuses and in our communications,” Barbara Joy’s chief spokeswoman Barbara Joy said in a statement.