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There is a call for unconscious bias training to be rolled out to all staff at third-level institutions, after unacceptable comments by GMIT lecturers about their students.
That is according to Fine Gael Senator and education spokesperson Aisling Dolan.
Students at the Galway Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) were able to hear two staff members discuss students presentations and allocate marks, after an online connection remained live.
Some of the clips include insulting language - such as a staff member asking whether there was something wrong with one student.
Several video clips of the incident have been widely shared across messaging apps.
GMIT incident highlights need for unconscious bias training for college staff
15th December 2020 - Aisling Dolan
A shocking incident in which lecturers were overheard using insulting language about their students has highlighted the need for unconscious bias training for all staff in the Higher Education sector, a Fine Gael Senator has said.
Aisling Dolan, Fine Gael spokesperson for Education, Further & Higher Education, said “I was shocked and distressed to learn of an incident were lecturers at Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology were overheard making personal remarks in relation to students while grading them for virtual assessments after an online meeting.
“This behaviour is unacceptable, unprofessional and has rightly angered and upset students and parents.
The leader of the Seanad Regina Doherty has taken aim at three Independent TDs for “scaremongering” around the Covid-19 vaccine.
Ms Doherty said elected representatives have a responsibility to encourage vaccine confidence and must stop scaremongering about the “vital” vaccine.
Senator Doherty was speaking following comments this week by Independent TDs Michael Collins, Mattie McGrath and Danny Healy-Rae, who Ms Doherty says are attempting to raise doubts about the vaccine.
“We all have a duty to respect and promote public health advice because it is in the interests of all in society. Never before has this been so evident than during this global pandemic.
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