UTSA police department escorted senior Paige Burgess out of Anita Moss’ human anatomy and physiology class on Nov. 12.
Reportedly, Burgess had her feet up on a chair during Moss’ lecture when Moss began to accuse Burgess of student misconduct and called campus officials to escort Burgess out of class.
Following the event, students took to social media to express their outrage and opposition to the way Moss handled the situation as well as post reports of Moss targeting this specific student and other minority students throughout the semester.
Burgess shared the event that unfolded in a tweet on Twitter. “This is me in Anita Moss’ 2053 BIO Classroom. Upon entering class I was told I needed to leave or would be escorted out by officers, I never disobeyed the student code of conduct. Not once. A police report is being filed at the moment. This is just the beginning. Thanks for your support,” Burgess said.
Several students in Moss’ class posted photos and videos on social media displaying the event and shared their opinions on what unfolded during class.
President Eighmy sent out an email with a statement on the incident.
“Today we had an incident where one of our African American students was escorted from a biology class by members of UTSA’s police department at the request of a faculty member. While the facts aren’t fully known regarding today’s incident, our Office of Equal Opportunity Services is already conducting an investigation into possible discrimination.”
Joe Izbrand, chief communications officer, stated “We are aware of this situation and are working closely with the student and department of biology to better understand what happened today.”
In-class incident leads to investigation
Due to the investigation, Burgess is unable to provide a formal statement on the event. Moss chose not to comment on the event upon The Paisano’s request.
Senior public health major and Student Government Association President Brittany Garcia witnessed Burgess being escorted out of class. Garcia is also a student in Moss’ class.
“I walked into the auditorium and saw Professor Moss very upset, shoving a paper towards Paige. I heard Paige say that she never got the email as she was grabbing her phone, searching her inbox. Professor Moss was not having it, she said she was going to get Paige escorted out by campus police and Paige respectfully told her to do what she felt necessary. By this time, the room was quiet and awkward.”
Garcia continued, “I asked the students around me what started all of this and they said she had her feet up on the chair in front of Dr. Moss and this caused for Professor Moss to get after her.”
Garcia concluded, “As soon as Paige and the officers left the room, the class was not having it. A hand immediately went up and a student asked her why she did that, Dr. Moss said it was not up for discussion. The class lost it. Multiple students started complaining and defending Paige stating this was unfair and a waste of class time, especially since we have an exam next class. Dr. Moss shut down and cancelled class, students left very angry.”
