Ben-Gurion University Faces Backlash Over Academic Adjustments for Bereaved Students
Translated & summarized from Hamal by baba
Ben-Gurion University is facing criticism for requiring students who lost family in the October 7th attacks to provide professional assessments for continued academic accommodations. A mother, Shelly, whose son lost his twin sister, stated the new requirement imposes financial and emotional burdens. The university responded that while professional documentation is standard, they had temporarily eased requirements post-October 7th and that social worker consultations remain available for sensitive support.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Ben-Gurion University now requires academic accommodations for students bereaved by Oct 7th to have professional assessments.
- Students previously received accommodations like recorded lectures and extra exam time without such stringent proof.
- A mother, Shelly, criticized the new policy as a financial and emotional burden on traumatized students.
- The university stated it temporarily waived documentation requirements post-Oct 7th and social worker support remains available.
- Protests have erupted among families who feel the university is creating unnecessary hurdles for grieving students.
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev is facing protests from students and their families who were recognized as bereaved following the October 7th attacks. The university has reverted to its original policy, requiring these students to present professional assessments to continue receiving academic accommodations previously granted. Shelly, whose son lost his twin sister in the October 7th massacre, described how her son had been receiving academic adjustments to help him cope with studies alongside his grief and trauma. However, shortly before the current semester, he was informed that these accommodations would end unless he provided professional evaluations.
According to Shelly, the initial accommodations for bereaved siblings included the ability to watch recorded lectures and extended time for exams, which she emphasized were crucial for concentration and learning, especially after experiencing trauma. The sudden demand for a psychiatric evaluation, which can cost thousands of shekels and carry a lifelong stigma, has been met with strong opposition. Shelly argued that her son should not have to prove his trauma to receive basic consideration.
She criticized the university's process for not adequately addressing the unique circumstances of bereaved siblings, urging the institution to recognize that the effects of traumatic loss extend beyond three years and not to impose financial and psychological barriers on students who have lost siblings. Shelly pleaded with the university to reconsider its decision and avoid turning these essential accommodations into a bureaucratic hurdle.
In response, Ben-Gurion University stated its commitment to accessible higher education and tailored support for all students. The university explained that while professional documentation is typically required for accommodations, they had temporarily waived this requirement for students affected by the October 7th events, allowing them to receive support based on consultations with a dedicated social worker. The university acknowledged that the emotional impact of the events continues for many students, even years later. They affirmed that the option to consult with a social worker remains open for personalized support, and all requests will be handled with sensitivity and consideration for individual circumstances.
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