Some people have the audacity to challenge students’ rights and assume there will be no repercussions but this Redditor wasn’t about to let that slide. When her professor refused to accommodate her ADA rights and openly mocked her needs, she wasn’t afraid to stand up for herself.
What followed was nothing short of epic: not only did she drop the class, but so did four other students and the professor lost his job. Here’s the story of how one professor’s arrogance led to a downfall, and how a group of students made sure he wouldn’t forget it.
A professor’s ableist attitude leads to the loss of five students, including one who stands up for her rights
When someone in a college class openly dismisses a student’s documented disability rights, telling them “you can do the work like everyone else” despite ADA accommodations on file, it crosses from poor teaching into discrimination.
In this situation, the professor’s refusal to honor accommodations (a tablet for notes, extended time on tests) was not only unjust but also ignored legal protections that exist for students with disabilities.
Psychologically and legally, this falls under ableism, which refers to discrimination or prejudice against people with disabilities. As explained in an article on Psychology Today, ableism is “the stereotyping, prejudice, discrimination, or oppression of people with disabilities.”
Research also shows that students with disabilities often face significant barriers in higher education when faculty or staff react negatively to accommodation requests.
From a different perspective, the student’s walk‑out alongside classmates was more than a protest; it was a collective assertion of rights.
When the professor said “drop the class if you don’t like my rules,” the student responded not with passive acceptance but with concerted action by walking out and bringing the matter to the dean and disability office. This shifted the power dynamic: rather than silently endure, the student demanded accountability.
Legally, under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and related disability law, students are entitled to “reasonable accommodations” so they can access the same educational opportunities as others. Institutions must provide these unless doing so would fundamentally alter the program. In this case, refusing a tablet or extended time, when clearly documented, likely violated those obligations.
Ultimately, the student’s actions remind us that empowerment comes through standing firm when a system fails you. Walking away from an unfair environment and seeking institutional recourse wasn’t just defiance; it was rightful advocacy.
Here’s the input from the Reddit crowd:
This group highlighted the legal and ethical implications of denying accommodations for disabilities
This group praised the actions of students who stood up for their peers’ rights and the importance of addressing disability accommodations with respect and empathy
This group expressed disbelief at professors who oppose accommodations and technology use
This group shared frustration with outdated or discriminatory educational practices
Have you ever had to stand up for your rights as a student? How did you handle it? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
