Dear Editor,
What’s next? No blacks, no dogs, no Irish?
I am a student of one of Jamaica’s foremost universities. Yesterday I went to use the computer lab to have my devices configured for Wi-Fi access. I was denied access as I was told by the security that, as my shoulders were bare, I could not be allowed to use the lab. Yes, you read that right.
A three-piece suit or its equivalent is required to access the computer lab at the University of Still Stuck in the Dark.
Upon my objection, I was directed to look at the pictures behind me, where I noted various graphics depicting hats, bandanas, shorts, fringes, etc, which some colonialist has decided is inappropriate for university wear.
Never mind the fact that, as a paying client and a human being, I was disrespected in no uncertain terms based on the opinion of someone who feels the need to dictate how I, as a reasonable person, should look and dress.
The most galling insult to my person stems from the fact that services are so limited at this university — even as we try our best to understand Jamaica being in a difficult economic situation. The Wi-Fi is mostly unavailable, library facilities are inconvenient, and the one computer lab doubles as a teaching lab, at which technician is not always at hand to help. The classrooms are hot, and in summer or by the second semester unbearable. I recall an incident during the sitting of one exam in which I was so overcome by the heat I had to take a good four- to five-minute break to gather myself, while a sympathetic invigilator tried to find me water and get me to a window and nearer to the one fan.
The objective and morale of this public institution of higher learning need to be seriously reassessed. The alacrity with which presumed infractions/breaches are addressed is almost unholy when compared to seeming lack of regard for quality service and basic common decency and good sense.
Charmaine Smith
Kingston 8
che8492000@gmail.com
What’s next? No blacks, no dogs, no Irish?
I am a student of one of Jamaica’s foremost universities. Yesterday I went to use the computer lab to have my devices configured for Wi-Fi access. I was denied access as I was told by the security that, as my shoulders were bare, I could not be allowed to use the lab. Yes, you read that right.
A three-piece suit or its equivalent is required to access the computer lab at the University of Still Stuck in the Dark.
Upon my objection, I was directed to look at the pictures behind me, where I noted various graphics depicting hats, bandanas, shorts, fringes, etc, which some colonialist has decided is inappropriate for university wear.
Never mind the fact that, as a paying client and a human being, I was disrespected in no uncertain terms based on the opinion of someone who feels the need to dictate how I, as a reasonable person, should look and dress.
The most galling insult to my person stems from the fact that services are so limited at this university — even as we try our best to understand Jamaica being in a difficult economic situation. The Wi-Fi is mostly unavailable, library facilities are inconvenient, and the one computer lab doubles as a teaching lab, at which technician is not always at hand to help. The classrooms are hot, and in summer or by the second semester unbearable. I recall an incident during the sitting of one exam in which I was so overcome by the heat I had to take a good four- to five-minute break to gather myself, while a sympathetic invigilator tried to find me water and get me to a window and nearer to the one fan.
The objective and morale of this public institution of higher learning need to be seriously reassessed. The alacrity with which presumed infractions/breaches are addressed is almost unholy when compared to seeming lack of regard for quality service and basic common decency and good sense.
Charmaine Smith
Kingston 8
che8492000@gmail.com