A professor at the famous New York University NYU has been fired because his classes were found to be too difficult. The resignation followed a petition prepared by students. This decision now continues to cause controversy as some parents and teachers say the incident points to a lowering of academic standards.
Maitland Jones Jr, a professor of organic chemistry, was fired from NYU after more than 80 students signed a petition complaining about their grades, level and aid received during the Covide pandemic. Jones, 84, received a notice from the dean in August that his contract was being terminated, the New York Times reported.
Chemistry professors who opposed the decision wrote to several NYU deans, saying they were concerned: “We all want students to succeed, but we use misaligned, and in many cases flawed, measures to evaluate success,” Stephanie said. Lee, one of the professors who signed the letter.
The student petition protested that Jones’ lesson was too difficult and that students lacked resources and help. It didn’t say that the professor should be fired. “We urge you to realize that a course with such low grades clearly does not prioritize student learning and well-being. In addition, it gives a bad impression to the chemistry department and our university as a whole,” the petition read.
condescension
Jones, a widely recognized professor known for writing an organic chemistry textbook, told the Times that he was thinking about retiring but was concerned about what NYU’s decision might mean for other professors and educators. A NYU spokesperson defended the dismissal, pointing to high student dropout rates and poor course evaluations. According to the statement, the decision was also based on complaints of lack of response, condescension and lack of transparency about the assessment.
Some students believe the pandemic has completely disrupted their ability to prepare for classes such as organic chemistry. In contrast, several parents have said that NYU’s decision points to a problem in a school system that they believe is too lenient on students. “When we pay for an education at a reputable university, we can expect professors to intellectually challenge our students and help them grow by encouraging them to go beyond what is easy and comfortable,” said Elicia Brand, founder of Army of Parents , to Fox News.
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