University Southern Maine students demand education professor fired told class theres only two sexes

A group of students at the University of Southern Maine in Portland, Maine are calling for their professor to be fired after saying there are only two genders in the classroom.

Christy Hammer, a professor of education, is said to have made the statement during a heated debate about gender identity in her “Creating a Positive Learning Environment” class, causing a stir among graduate students.

Only one student agreed with the teacher. The rest maintained that both biological genders and social genders are on a spectrum.

Others who attended the class said most agreed that a spectrum exists for both gender and biological sex.

The point was first made during class on Sept. 7, but was repeated a week later after nonbinary student Elizabeth Leibiger, who was absent the week before, brought up the topic again.

She then said she felt “personally attacked” after the professor again said there are only two sexes.

‘I asked [Hammer] how many genera there were,’ said Leibiger. ‘She said, ‘Two.’ I felt personally attacked.’

Nearly the entire class of 22 students ran away, all but one demanding a meeting with the university’s School of Education and Human Development.

Elizabeth Leibiger, who is non-binary, said she felt ‘personally attacked’ after Professor Hammer said there were only two genders

“I let her know that I didn’t think she was qualified to teach positive learning environments. It’s the ultimate irony,” Leibiger told Fox news.

A restorative justice meeting was held, but Professor Hammer’s position did not change.

Two dozen graduate students in the class continued to demand that the university replace Hammer, believing she was transphobic.

Students now refuse to return to the class they teach and will only attend class if a new teacher is appointed.

The class is a requirement to complete the graduate level Extended Teacher Education Program and become a certified teacher in Maine.

A restorative justice meeting was held, but Professor Hammer’s position did not change

The discussion started during a class on September 7, but was revisited on September 14. It saw 21 of the 22 students walk away and the professor refused to go back

“We are aware of this situation and are taking steps to provide necessary support to students,” interim provost Adam Tuchinsky told the Bangor Daily News.

Another student suggested that Hammer take diversity training or just retire.

The university has now suggested an ‘alternative’ section for the classroom, but that the professor will not be removed.

“We have developed an alternative plan for this class and will open a new section of this course for students who wish to relocate. The original section taught by Professor Hammer will remain for any student who wishes to remain in that class,” a university spokesperson said.

“Our job as educators is to grow and change, address our prejudices, and most importantly, protect all of our students,” Leibiger argued, pictured. “I think the next step USM needs to take is to clarify what the responsibility for Christy Hammer will look like”

The university has now suggested that an ‘alternative’ section will be created for the class, but that the professor will not be removed

University officials have not disclosed how many students will move to the new class.

“Our job as educators is to grow and change, address our prejudices, and most importantly, protect all of our students,” Leibiger said. “I think the next step USM needs to take is to clarify what the responsibility for Christy Hammer will look like.”

There seem to be plenty of people willing to support Hammer’s position, with nearly 2,000 people taking a petition for her to keep her job.