New York University professor fired after students say his class was too hard

The student petition protested that Jones’s class was too hard and that students lacked resources and help. It did not say the professor should be fired. Photograph: Seth Wenig/AP

The firing of a New York University (NYU) professor who was the subject of a petition from students who said his class was too hard continues to stoke controversy, as some parents and teachers say the incident points to a lowering of academic standards.

Maitland Jones Jr, a professor of organic chemistry, was fired by NYU after more than 80 students from his 350-student course signed a petition complaining about grades, teaching and help received during the Covid pandemic.