Again, the issue isn’t whether YOU found it offensive. The issue is that the student found it offensive.
We aren’t talking about the US motto that was written decades ago.We are talking about an email from a professor to students that was written this month. Best to leave the red herrings out of the discussion.
The OP should look up the ethical standards for the faculty at their school. They can see if the professor violated them. For example, https://www.ua.edu/about/policies/files/UA%20Code%20of%20Ethical%20Conduct%20Final.pdf
@jym626 wrote: “The issue is that the student found it offensive.”
If this is this issue and if anyone considers this to be a valid standard, then this would significantly impair the ongoing mission of all institutions of higher learning.
OP came to the right decision IMO. Can we not let small “offenses” that cause no harm or mean no ill intent slide? Isn’t that a part of coexisting?
I think we are too quick to get our feathers ruffled.
Plus, OP misinterpreted a key portion of the email mistakenly thinking it was an email about “the afterlife” when it clearly is a message about after college life.
The student was sharing that they found it offensive and was bothered by that. Fortunately they will not be taking any more classes in this department and can walk away.
Maybe for the religious majority, the subtle undertones are not problematic. But for others, it can be uncomfortable. And I respect the student for acknowledging their discomfort.
As a separate issue, the increasing degree of antisemitism on many college campuses has sensitized many Jewish students. So to be uncomfortable with a religious comment that is of another religion for the OP is not unreasonable… (And NO I am not saying the comment was indicative of an antisemitic bent, but that for some students, any religious commentary, even if shared with the best of intentions, may have unintended consequences).
And perhaps the message to the student should be, do not be so easily offended. Time to grow up. Radio stations will play Christmas music. There may be Hannukah celebrations as well. Someone may wish you happy Kwanzaa. It is ok.
There is a HUGE difference between a radio station playing music and a professor writing to students.
This OP was bothered by both.
@jym626: There was no mention of any religion whatsoever.
Also, how would you feel if the student was offended by another’s display of a piece of clothing or jewelry associated with a particular religion ?
For example: What if the professor wore a head-covering or necklace which is associated with a particular religion in front of the entire class ?
P.S. After rereading the email, the OP’s interpretation of mention of an afterlife is a reasonable interpretation. So, yes, OP’s professor violated the separation between church & state. The intent was one of caring & perspective.
Referencing Jesus, the bible and god’s love is religious.
And lets not bring in strawman arguments. Waste of time. This is NOT about some random person wearing jewelry. I would encourage posters to read about the impact of the faculty/student power dynamic. Fortunately for this student, it won’t be an issue
Where do you see any evidence of that?
Well, if we haven’t seen the message, I do not know that we can say that, @jym626. I have received all sorts of blessings from people of diverse religions sharing their traditions and offering their support. I smile and say thank you for your good wishes, since that is how they are intended.
But you aren’t a professor or their student. That’s a big component of the issue. This isn’t some random passing comment on the street. It is an email in an institution with policies and guidelines that the faculty should follow, in a state flagship institution with rules and regulations.
And where did you see any evidence that the poster was bothered by anything other than the writings of the professor? Don’t see that in their post. At.All.
All I can say is: Merry Xmas !
Post 27, OP discusses being bothered by the Christmas music playing in the cafeteria. And I would be more bothered if I thought there was any suggestion of bias or favoritism in grading or an improper exercise of power. But a heartfelt departure message at the conclusion of a course wishing students a good future? Please.
Wow. Here is the question that’s most important: Is it worth ruining the professor’s life for something that harms no one?
There is no place for religious comments/undertones in correspondence between professors and students.
I laud the student for considering expressing his/her discomfort to the appropriate administrator, even if just to document the issue. Maybe it will be a teaching experience for the professor. Maybe not. But the student’s feelings are valid. It seems that most here seem to discount the student’s feelings and are encouraging them to suck it up and get over it. That is quite sad.
And someone is always going to get offended by something. Guaranteed. We have, as a society, gone way overboard in looking for grievances and accommodating every supposed sensitivity to anything. I would rather people share good sentiments, even if some may be offended, than remain silent and detached from each other for fear of saying the wrong thing.
@jym626: Finally, something upon which we can agree: “This is quite sad.” You nailed it !