Read on Twitter
Can we open a dialogue about a piece of office decor that has been circulating on science twitter related to “problem students”? https://twitter.com/Hoosierflyman/status/1344013388607868938
The term “problem student”, as I know it, is typically weaponized against students who question, deviate, and or stand up to the status quo of academia. It is a term used to isolate them and eventually force them out of the pipeline.
I thought it would be useful to reflect: What defines a problem student? I especially implore those mentors who have this or similar knick-knacks on display in their office to consider this question.
Is a #problemstudent one who reports a higher up for mistreatment? Sexual assault? Coercion?
Is a #problemstudent one who doesn’t work as much as your favorite student because they have complications or other responsibilities at home you haven’t begun to consider?
Is a #problemstudent one who reports they cannot replicate findings of your highly cited paper? Or that they found their colleague fabricated data?
Is a #problemstudent one who speaks up for historically excluded groups and calls out systemic racism and misogyny?
Is a #problemstudent one who falls behind in courses because they didn't get the same quality of education as their more wealthy peers and struggle to keep up with little help?
Is a #problemstudent one who cannot publish as fast because they have any type of disability, hidden or visible, that slows down their work?
Is a #problemstudent one who questions why graduate students don't get the same bonus awarded to all other University personnel despite working consistently through a pandemic?
Is a #problemstudent one who was coerced out of their lab after needing to take a leave to improve their mental health?
Am I a #problemstudent for forcing people to think about this and questioning your taste in office tchotchkes?
Finally, I urge you to consider if any of these situations, or the myriad others I haven’t thought of, warrant extreme violence (cremation) against such a student?
I'll end by saying I know this urn is meant to be a lighthearted joke, but what if I came to you to report something, see that jar, and stay quiet? Would you still consider yourself a supportive mentor? I hope this sparks insightful discussion and I am eager to learn more.
