The Mesquite Online News - Texas A&M University-San Antonio

Stutterers raise hands, ask to be heard

Communications senior Ted Knapinsky's viewpoint in response to Philip Garber, a student with a severe stutter who was asked to stop speaking in class, was published Oct. 18 in a New York Times blog.

By Ted Knapinsky

In the Oct. 10 New York Times article “Stutterer Speaks Up in Class; His Professor Says Keep Quiet,”Richard Pérez-Peña reports on the struggles of Philip Garber Jr., a student at County College of Morris in Randolph, N.J.Garber, who has a severe stutter, was told by his history professor not to speak in class  because he’s disruptive. I have no relation to Philip Garber on any personal level. But I can relate to Philip and his difficulties in the classroom. I have had a severe stutter since I was 4 years old.

After reading the article several times over, I was stunned that his professor, Elizabeth Snyder, sent her disabled student an email asking him to pose questions before or after class so that he would not “infringe” upon other students time. Mrs. Snyder was quoted as saying  “your speaking is disruptive.”

As someone who suffers the same disability, I am bothered by the way this particular situation was handled. You can read my blog post in education section of The New York Times.

Join the Conversation

© 2024 Jaguar Student Media | Texas A&M University-San Antonio. All Rights Reserved. All Rights Reserved.
San Antonio Website Design & Development - Backyard Studios
Join Our Newsletter

Get the Mesquite News delivered straight to you.