A tenured instructor at Oxnard College in California, Professor Mark Anderson, has been placed on administrative leave following a viral video that captured him harshly criticizing a hard-of-hearing student during a Zoom class. The footage, which circulated on TikTok, shows Anderson’s confrontational behavior towards the student, who was struggling to respond due to her hearing impairment.
In the video, the student, who recorded the session on her phone, can be seen and heard as Professor Anderson questions her lack of responses when he speaks. Initially, the student explained that she could hear him to some extent, but the situation escalated when Anderson demanded to know why she hadn’t replied during his lecture. Although a fellow classmate informed Anderson of her condition, he continued to speak over her and dismiss her challenges.
The Exchange
The exchange included statements such as:
“Ms. Johnson, I’ve been speaking to you,” Anderson was heard saying.
“I can hear you a little bit,” she replied.
“Then why didn’t you respond when I was talking?” he snapped back, disregarding her explanation.
After the other student intervened, explaining that the hard-of-hearing student needed time for her translator to relay information, Anderson’s demeanor did not improve. He continued to belittle the student and suggested that she discuss the matter with her counselor, showing a lack of empathy.
As the incident unfolded, Anderson denied any abusive intent, claiming, “I’m not attacking you, I’m just disappointed in you.”
Public Reaction
The public reaction was swift, with many expressing outrage at the professor’s insensitivity and ableism. In a statement, the college’s acting president, Laura Sanchez, expressed his disappointment, stating that no student should ever feel disrespected by faculty members.
Further Resources
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Conclusion
To summarize, a professor’s harsh treatment of a hard-of-hearing student during a virtual class has sparked outrage and led to an investigation into his conduct. The incident highlights the need for greater awareness and sensitivity towards students with disabilities in educational settings.