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Discrimination

Faith Q&A › Metropolitan Youssef › Christian Living › Discrimination

The question

Last March my school made a decision for certain students to follow the new curriculum they have enforced which would require that I go back to a 3rd year to take the extra classes that they have added in the new curriculum. Sadly, while I was trying to accept this from God's hands, my body did not, and I have been experiencing anxiety attacks, breathing anxiety, and postprandial hypoglycemia. I am trying slowly to overcome all that, but I am getting really tired of it, and of my life being like that. Recently, we found out that we are 13 students in this situation, including the student government president who is also one of the members on the Board of Pharmacy. We met with the Dean of the College of Pharmacy and he said they will reevaluate our situations again. Today, we got the letter that nothing was changed for us except one class was taken off our required classes, while some other students including the student government president, was granted that they would go back where they left off in the school and matriculate normally. Two other students and I are still mandated to take four classes through 4 semesters which is making us loose 4 years of our lives. If I keep fighting this school's decision, am I fighting God’s will? I don't know what to do anymore. Should I fight the school with a law suit; should I let it be and lose 4 years of my life; or should I leave the whole career and try to pursue a different one. I feel that I am drowning in all this.

The answer

I know this must be very frustrating for you, but God has brought you this far, and will certainly not leave you now. If it is within your rights and you can proceed peacefully to demand what you have been unfairly denied, then you can choose to seek a solution through lawful recourse. Another option is that you can consider these extra semesters as continuing education credit and complete them as quickly as possible. Even if you are still required to take these extra courses for graduation, perhaps the university can take responsibility for breaking their contract by compensating the students with the tuition, room, and board for misleading them (whether intentionally or unintentionally). Having said that, first analyze the problem, the process, and the possible outcomes.

Consider the following:

1) If it is to your benefit so that you can become a more proficient pharmacist when you graduate, then it is worth it to take the extra courses.

2) Perhaps the program was initially lacking in providing the students with critical information which these additional courses will provide. These courses may prevent the future pharmacists of this program from harming innocent patients.

3) Perhaps these extra courses are necessary for passing the licensing exam. Becoming a Registered Pharmacist will open many doors for you in the future.

4) The process of a lawsuit can take a toll on an individual: physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Animosity can build up and cause you more suffering. Weigh your options carefully.

5) Is the fight worth it? Is it a matter of principle or fairness?

6) Leaving the profession now will probably leave you with many regrets in the future. I don't think you've worked so hard and come this far, just to leave it now.  

7) Let the legal system do what it can for you without you getting overwhelmed. Don't let anything nor anyone interfere with your peace. If it resolves in your favor, then so be it; and if it doesn't, then so be it. Let it be all the same to you.  I advise you to proceed with the peace of God.  

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).

Answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab)

Related questions

Questions answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab) of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. Question 1552 on the Diocese’s Q&A site. Questions and answers © Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. All rights reserved.