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Debate over professor’s favourite escalates into clash between students
Baddie B, staff
A first-year philosophy course at the U of M has become the site of an unusual incident after a long-running dispute between two students over who is their professor’s favourite escalated into a physical altercation during class time.
The incident, which occurred earlier this week, involved third-year anthropology student Nadyia Karmi and fourth-year mechanical engineering student Eman Ismeal, whose ongoing disagreement took a serious turn.
According to students present, tensions had been built throughout the term with both Karmi and Ismeal frequently referencing the topic during discussions.
Angi Klova, a student in the course, explained that “it started as a joke, but it kept coming up, and eventually it stopped feeling like a joke.”
Karmi explained that her position was based on what she described as consistent intellectual engagement with the professor.
“It’s not about obvious
praise,” Karmi said. “It’s about whose ideas are taken seriously and expanded upon.”
Ismeal, however, said the evidence was much clearer and based on direct interactions in class.
“He responds to me more, and is more receptive to what I say,” Ismeal said. “That’s not something you have to overanalyze.”
Klova explained that the situation escalated during a recent seminar discussion when the topic of favouritism was raised again, despite the class focusing on course material.
“They started arguing back and forth like usual,” Klova said. “Then it got louder, and neither of them would drop it.”
The confrontation became physical after both students began speaking over each other and standing up on the table during the exchange.
“It happened really quickly,” Klova explained. “One of them bumped into the other, and then they were really pushing each other.”
Classmates and the
instructor intervened shortly after, separating the two before the situation escalated further.
Professor Spider Man, who teaches the course, declined to comment on the specifics of the incident but emphasized the importance of maintaining a respectful classroom environment.
“The classroom is a space for discussion, not conflict,” Man said. “Students are expected to engage with ideas in a constructive manner.”
Both Karmi and Ismeal acknowledged that the situation escalated but continued their respective positions regarding the original dispute.
“I think things got out of hand,” Karmi said. “But that doesn’t change the underlying point.”
Ismeal agreed that the altercation was not intentional but said it reflected the ongoing frustration surrounding the issue.
“It wasn’t supposed to happen,” Ismeal explained. “But it shows how seriously this has been taken.”
Klova said the incident
shifted the overall atmosphere of the seminar, making it more difficult to focus on course material.
“It’s hard to go back to normal discussions after that,” Klova said. “There’s definitely some tension now.”
Others expressed concern about how the situation might affect the remainder of the term, particularly with final assignments approaching.
“We still have to finish the course,” Klova said. “I think everyone just wants to settle down.”
The university has not indicated whether any formal action will be taken following the incident. However, students said they hope the situation will be resolved moving forward.
With final papers due in the coming weeks, several classmates said their priority is completing the course without further disruption.
“I don’t even care who the favourite is anymore,” Klova sad. “I just want to get through the rest of the semester.”
U of M logo to replace bison with Canada goose
Because when was the last time you saw a bison here?
J. Jonah Jameson, staff
The U of M’s official logo is going to look a little different next year. Following extensive focus testing and community surveys, the bison on the U of M official logo will be replaced with a Canada goose in early 2027.
Darwin Picture, U of M director of marketing, shared that the change will “better reflect the […] lived experience of [U of M] students. Canada geese are a constant presence in students’ lives, and we wanted to call back to that.”
The previous logo, featuring a bison, centered around ideas of “strength, leadership and determination.” While the new animal front and centre is not exactly known for these qualities, Picture shared that the research team that picked the goose looked to the bird’s traits of community, care and intimidation.
“[Canada geese] are known to be highly territorial of their nests, which most of the U of M community is aware of. A closer examination of this behaviour, however, invites us to reflect on how we care
for the people closest to us […] we want U of M students to be known as fierce protectors of their loved ones.”
Picture also explained that the birds’ omnipresence on campus is a mentality the university wishes to encourage.
“The U of M is understood to be a commuter school […] We want to show students that they can always find a nice corner full of dried leaves, a patch of grass or even the middle of the sidewalk as spaces they can exist in.”
Intimidation is another trait that the marketing department would like the “flock” to embody. “We want U of M students and faculty to strike fear in the hearts of others,” explained Picture. “Intimidation in every field is the goal, and we hope ‘the Geese’ can dominate whatever field they set out in […] research, cutting-edge technology, whatever.”
As for the future of the U of M’s sports teams, Billy the Bison’s retirement is on the horizon. “We’re workshopping some various mascot looks,” shared Picture. “There’s truly
nothing scarier than walking down the sidewalk and a Canada goose begins to flap its wings and hiss […] It’s something that we need to consider, the potential mechanizing of the mascot suit.” In the interim, the marketing team is considering hiring an authentic goose as a mascot. “They’re there anyway, we may as well welcome them on the field,” stated Picture.
This change also comes following the marketing department’s assessment of animal life the U of M community regularly interacts with. Today, bison sightings are limited to only a handful of locations, with the once-sprawling population largely reduced on university-owned property. When asked about their role in the diminishing of the bison population, the university and marketing department declined to comment.
The U of M marketing team is still seeking student input. You can share your thoughts via their survey tinyurl.com/ veryrealUMsurvey.
