Memorial University bungled case of hearing impaired student, says student union

The St. John’s campus of Memorial University (Photo from Wikipedia/Neelix)

ST. JOHN’S, N.L. – A rally will be held today to support a hearing-impaired student who says a professor at Memorial University in Newfoundland refused to accommodate him.

Supporters say an apology from the school and a promised review of the case don’t go far enough.

Leah Robertson of the students’ union says the university bungled a case that highlights accessibility gaps.

She is urging people to come out for the lunch-hour rally in St. John’s to show their support for the student and call on the school to help people with special needs.

Third-year student William Sears says his history professor refused earlier this month to wear an assistive hearing device citing religious beliefs.

The F-M transmitter helps Sears hear class instruction.

He alleges that Ranee Panjabi would not wear it.

Panjabi did not respond to requests for comment.

Sears has filed a complaint with the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission.