The Minister for Higher Education has described comments made by two GMIT lecturers as "cruel" and "extremely hurtful".
The governing body of the college has launched an internal investigation after two lecturers were heard discussing the so-called "weak performance" of some of their students and speculating whether one student has intellectual disabilities.
"Has (named student) something wrong with her?" one lecturer asked while the other said that she had been wondering the same thing.
idk about anyone else but after that video from gmit i never wanna do any form of assessment ever again lol #gmit
— michaela🌊 (@michaela_roche) December 14, 2020
The two lecturers made the comments over Zoom and were not aware that some students could hear them.
Their conversation was recorded by students and shared on Snapchat and Whatsapp.
Minister Harris Welcomes Apology From GMIT President
Yesterday, the college's president Dr Orla Flynn apologised for the incident.
Minister Simon Harris says he welcomes the apology but says it shouldn't have happened in the first place.
"Anybody who heard that language can only be but disappointed and disgusted by it."
"The words were harsh and cruel."
Appalled to see that GMIT video. Majority of students adapting to the new scene of online lecturing. To have lecturers talk so badly of the students who are trying their best.. they should be sacked. And @GMITOfficial apologise by saying it’s a data breach? Unacceptable. #GMIT
— James Lawlor (@jameslkerrlad) December 14, 2020
Minister Harris said he said the duty of care to students is more important during a pandemic and he was disappointed by the remarks.
