I’m the author of this story, and since there was interest in my story, I thought I’d share a story from my friend about the same professor who reported me.
[Friend] has ADHD and university accommodations for said accommodations, and she took a class with [Professor] in undergrad. [Friend] asked [Professor] for accommodations in regard to an upcoming test, as one of her accommodations was access to a classroom to do her test in separate from the rest of her classmates. To be clear, professors are legally required to comply with these. When she approached him, this was the conversation they had through email, pretty much verbatim.
Friend: “Hi, [Professor]! I just wanted to confirm that I’ll be using my approved accommodation to take the midterm in a separate room through the Testing Center.”
Professor: “Hello, [Friend]. I really prefer that my students take the exam in the classroom like everyone else. It creates fewer complications and keeps things fair. You need to try your best to focus in class; that’s part of the learning process. Please plan to take the midterm in our regular classroom.”
Friend: “Just to clarify — this is an official accommodation through Disability Services. It’s not a request based on preference; it’s a legally protected support. I’ve used it in almost all of my classes, and the process is already handled through the university system.”
Professor: “I understand that you’ve gotten ‘used to’ these accommodations, but in the real world, people don’t get to step into quiet rooms every time they’re distracted. Part of college is learning how to adapt. I need to keep this consistent for all my students, so you will be required to take the exam in our regular classroom.”
Friend: “Again, I want to be clear that this is a required accommodation, not a matter of preference or convenience. It was approved by Disability Services and is protected by federal law. I’m simply trying to use the tools I need to have equitable access.”
Professor: “Frankly, I think this is being blown out of proportion. I’ve had plenty of students with ‘distractions’ who did just fine in my classroom. I’m not trying to be difficult, but I really don’t have time to manage all these special arrangements, and I don’t think it is necessary.”
[Friend] pondered this for a day or two while contacting the disability center to make sure she was in the right, which they confirmed that she was. After getting confirmation, she responded again to [Professor], indicating that she had included the program head (a different one than the one I dealt with) in the conversation.
Friend: “Hi again. I’ve copied Dr. [Program Head] for documentation purposes. I just want to make sure I’m understanding correctly: are you officially stating that I am not permitted to use my legally approved accommodation for the midterm?”
Professor: *Obviously backpedaling* “Thanks for reaching out again! Of course, you are permitted to use your approved accommodations. My apologies for the confusion. Please proceed with the Testing Center, and let me know if there’s anything else I can do to support you.”
This was not the first time, nor the last, that he gave students issues with disability accommodations. However, he was way better about ADHD accommodations, specifically, from then on. I guess she put the fear of God in him?
Related:
You’re In Big Trouble… PSYCH!
Thanks To ADHD And The ADA, You’ve Been HAD, Part 2
Thanks To ADHD And The ADA, You’ve Been HAD