Transsexual Professor at Stern College: Student Perspectives
Olivia Wiznitzer
Issue date: 10/3/08 Section: Features
*Associated Press standards have been followed in referring to people by their gender of choice.*
What does the student body of Yeshiva University make of the fact that one of their professors is a transsexual? What of the fact that she has chosen to transition and present as a woman? Would students feel comfortable in her class? Students to whom The Observer put this question responded differently, each of them adding their own unique voice to the mix.
Gilah Kletenik (SCW '09) states, "I think it's unfortunate that Dr. Ladin is only part of the writing center [referring to the fact that Dr. Ladin is not currently teaching classes, but will resume doing so in the spring], as opposed to serving in her former capacity as a professor. Moreover, it's regrettable that transsexuals are not protected by the federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act and that only a handful of states have statutes protecting against employment discrimination based on gender identity -- New York is not one of these." She further explained that, "The gender identity of Dr. Ladin or any other professor would not prevent me from registering for a class with her. I do not anticipate feeling uncomfortable in such a class."
A Yeshiva College student who requested to remain anonymous believes that "people
make too much of a big deal about it. Pointing, staring, whispering, enough's enough. Let Dr. Ladin live in peace." He explains that, "I would certainly take a class with Dr. Ladin. Dr. Ladin is not a sexual predator, simply a transsexual. The choice to change one's gender, in my opinion, is bizarre, but that doesn't make Dr. Ladin a bad or evil person."
A Stern College student who declined to be quoted by name explains that, "I am glad that Dr. Ladin will once again be teaching in the SCW classroom. I very much respect her as a teacher. Since Stern strives for excellence- it is appropriate to accept such a professor for her mind and dedication to students and not be concerned with her sexual orientation. If I had opportunity in my schedule I would certainly take Dr. Ladin's class again."
What does the student body of Yeshiva University make of the fact that one of their professors is a transsexual? What of the fact that she has chosen to transition and present as a woman? Would students feel comfortable in her class? Students to whom The Observer put this question responded differently, each of them adding their own unique voice to the mix.
Gilah Kletenik (SCW '09) states, "I think it's unfortunate that Dr. Ladin is only part of the writing center [referring to the fact that Dr. Ladin is not currently teaching classes, but will resume doing so in the spring], as opposed to serving in her former capacity as a professor. Moreover, it's regrettable that transsexuals are not protected by the federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act and that only a handful of states have statutes protecting against employment discrimination based on gender identity -- New York is not one of these." She further explained that, "The gender identity of Dr. Ladin or any other professor would not prevent me from registering for a class with her. I do not anticipate feeling uncomfortable in such a class."
A Yeshiva College student who requested to remain anonymous believes that "people
make too much of a big deal about it. Pointing, staring, whispering, enough's enough. Let Dr. Ladin live in peace." He explains that, "I would certainly take a class with Dr. Ladin. Dr. Ladin is not a sexual predator, simply a transsexual. The choice to change one's gender, in my opinion, is bizarre, but that doesn't make Dr. Ladin a bad or evil person."
A Stern College student who declined to be quoted by name explains that, "I am glad that Dr. Ladin will once again be teaching in the SCW classroom. I very much respect her as a teacher. Since Stern strives for excellence- it is appropriate to accept such a professor for her mind and dedication to students and not be concerned with her sexual orientation. If I had opportunity in my schedule I would certainly take Dr. Ladin's class again."
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 12
Taz
posted 10/03/08 @ 3:13 PM EST
Chana,
Your coverage of this issue is absolutely spectacular. This is a matter that has become public in mainstream news, and it would have been a disgrace had the Observer not covered it so effectively. (Continued…)
Anonymous
posted 10/05/08 @ 2:40 AM EST
I've gone to the writing center at Stern a few times and I never saw Dr. Ladin there. It's the tutors or Andrea who work directly with the students as far as I can tell. (Continued…)
InTruth
MS
posted 10/05/08 @ 8:57 AM EST
For the record, Dr. Ladin is in fact the head of the Writing Center and (to the best of my knowledge) is or will at some point be involved in the day-to-day work at the center. (Continued…)
Anonymous YC Student
posted 10/05/08 @ 12:43 PM EST
@ Anonymous (2:40 AM):
Please understand that, as I made clear in my quote, I was not making a political statement, but one on thoughtful hiring. Agreed, students looking to advance their writing skills SHOULD use the writing center, regardless of who runs it. (Continued…)
goodfrie
gabi
posted 10/06/08 @ 12:20 AM EST
we all struggle with who we are and when we feel the most comfortable- in situations when I feel stifled or estranged from my core values, I freeze, unsure of how to liberate myself. (Continued…)
great article
posted 10/18/08 @ 2:15 PM EST
Thanks for the reporting... I thought it was very fair and neutral.
As far as Dr. Ladin goes, I think that we should all be supportive of her and make sure that she does not feel uncomfortable in her own classroom. (Continued…)
Avi
posted 10/26/08 @ 7:47 PM EST
The YC student quoted above implies that sexual preditors are evil. For shame. Sexual preditors are just different people who, in my opinion, have bizzare sexual drives. (Continued…)
A. Nony Mouse
posted 4/24/09 @ 4:04 AM EST
From this article one would get the impression YU's student body reaction to employing a transexual ranged from "BEST THING EVER" to "Whatever, good for her", running the whole gamut from Y to Z. (Continued…)
antalya travesti
posted 2/18/10 @ 9:50 AM EST
I have read your entire article. Very useful information summer. Thanks
Anonymous
posted 2/18/10 @ 11:57 PM EST
I am embarrassed to see how much support members of the student body at YU and Stern, Torah-observant Jews, are giving to someone who has completely and utterly violated a Torah prohibition. (Continued…)
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