Bar Ilan University
Bar Ilan UniversityFlash 90

During a heated exchange at Bar-Ilan University, a professor berated a student during class and called him derogatory names including "idiot" and "moron," telling him he needs psychological help.

The exchange occurred in Dr. Moshe Hellinger's Introduction to Politics and Governance course surrounding a discussion on birth control, during which a student claimed that Dr. Hellinger was preaching a political view that was offensive to him.

In a recording released by Channel 12 News, Dr. Hellinger could be heard screaming at the student, calling him derogatory names in front of the class, and threatening to have him penalized by the university's disciplinary committee.

During the exchange, Dr. Hellinger told the class that "whoever writes something other than what I said does not understand Political Science" and threatened to end the class early should the student not leave.

According to the student, he was subsequently told by Dr. Hellinger's teaching assistant that he will not be permitted to take the final exam.

In a Facebook post uploaded by Dr. Hellinger, he apologized for his language but insisted that he woud do "everything he can to see that the student gets punished by the university authorities."

In response to the incident, Bar-Ilan University stated that "the student refused to leave the class even when he was told that his behavior was preventing the continuation of the class. As a result, the lecturer was forced to end the class early and informed the students that he will complete it at a different time.

"During the exchange with the student, the lecturer said harsh words which he also says were better off not said, and for which he publicly apologized. It should be emphasized that during an academic class things might be said that are not to the liking of all the students. Students are allowed to express their views in class, but not in a rude manner or in a way that interferes with the class."

Matan Peleg, Chairman of Im Tirtzu that first received the complaint via its student hotline, said: "We cannot permit a professor in academia to use his position in order to humiliate, attack, and harm a student who holds a different view or who 'dares' voice an opposing opinion.

"It is inconceivable that an institution that advocates free speech and academic truth would permit a professor who screams, intimidates and humiliates students to continue teaching in this capacity."