University of Southern Maine will not fire an education professor for saying there are two biological sexes, reports Troy R. Bennett in the Bangor Daily News.
Instead, the graduate students, who are seeking certification as teachers, will be offered an alternative class taught by a non-heretic.
All but one of Christy Hammer's students walked out of her Sept. 14 class, “Creating a Positive Learning Environment." In a discussion the previous week, the professor and one student had argued that biological sex is not "on a spectrum."
A non-binary student, Elizabeth Leibiger, who'd missed the previous class, brought up the issue on Sept. 14.
“I asked [Hammer] how many sexes there were,” Leibiger said. “She said, ‘Two.’ I felt under personal attack.”
Leibiger then gathered their things and walked out of class because they no longer felt respected.
“I let her know I didn’t think she was qualified to teach a class about positive learning environments,” Leibiger said. “It’s the ultimate irony.”
Students demanded a "restorative justice" meeting. The dissenting student apologized for his views, but Hammer did not change her position. (Based on her Twitter feed, Hammer, who has a doctorate in sociology, appears to be quite liberal.)
“The next step USM needs to take is being clear what accountability will look like for Christy Hammer,” said Leibiger, who will take the alternative class. Leibiger plans to become an English teacher.
“'The next step USM needs to take is being clear what accountability will look like for Christy Hammer,' said Leibiger..."
I'm more concerned about what accountability will look like for Leibiger. She appears unable to tolerate other points of view, even majority points of view. How can she assure students they will be treated fairly in her classes?
"Students demanded a "restorative justice" meeting.": Just replace "restorative justice meeting" with "Maoist Struggle Session" and it'll be more accurate.
"Leibiger plans to become an English teacher.": But of course.
Could the college be burned at the stake for Heresy? I would HATE to be attending college of ANY type these days (gack)