Muslim students have to write tests and exams during Eid, and students with “debilitating medical conditions” have to fight not to lose their DP.

But if you take philosophy with Dr Tom Angier of UCT and have booked a ticket to Rocking the Daisies this weekend, you’re off the hook.

After various complaints, the UCT executive is now reviewing Dr Angier’s decision to grant a concession to students to miss a class test – as long as they have proof they had booked a Daisies’ ticket well in advance, reports IOL.

A screenshot of the notification [below] sent out was shared on social media as many students have come out against the decision:

Could this be the “Tom” from Myspace? Kidding.

The Black Academic Caucus (BAC) labelled it a “flagrant abuse of the concession system”. It said in a statement:

“A legitimate concession works with the understanding that a student has suffered a setback in their life that compromises the student in relation to his or her peers.

“A concession that is underserved only serves to grant an advantage to the student.”

They cited an incident where a “black student in the same department last year was refused her duly performed (DP), despite presenting evidence of a debilitating medical condition”:

“The same department now has compassion for students who bought tickets to attend a music festival in Darling.

“It’s not enough black students have to silently carry the burden of disadvantage; they now have to watch as racialised privilege is paraded before them,” BAC said.

UCT vice-chancellor Max Price had subsequently decided on compassionate grounds to grant the student a DP.

As well as reviewing the decision, UCT spokesperson Elijah Moholola explained that the university is also planning to “develop a set of criteria to guide course conveners across all faculties when considering concessions to ensure a degree of fairness, consistency and equity”:

Moholola added all departments in the Faculty of Humanities granted extensions or concessions to students not able to attend classes or write tests for valid reasons.

“There has to be sensitivity to every individual’s particular situation and cultural, socio-economical and other pressures that influence the situation. Concessions should be given in serious cases, not for frivolous reasons,” he said.

Although I’m not too sure if the “review” will be done in time, can we just take a moment to note that these kids don’t need to take the day off.

They can easily make their way up to the festival after the class test. Come on.

[source:iol&news24]