Stuttering NJ college student told not to speak

RANDOLPH, N.J. – Officials at a community college in northern New Jersey declined to say Wednesday whether they disciplined an adjunct professor who asked a stuttering student not to speak, but acknowledged that the professor acted improperly.

Administrators at County College of Morris said history professor Elizabeth Snyder was wrong to email 16-year-old Philip Garber Jr. to urge Garber to save his questions for after class "so we do not infringe on other students' time."

"This way, you can express your ideas and knowledge completely and I will have a better understanding of what you know," Snyder's email went on to say. "You can give me the sheet after each class."

Bette Simmons, vice president of student development for the college, said Snyder should have advised classmates to be patient with Garber.

College president Edward Yaw said Synder is still employed at the college. He wouldn't say what, if any, disciplinary action had been taken against her because it was a personnel matter. Yaw said he met with Garber personally.

Garber, from Mansfield, has transferred to another section of the same class and says he's happy with how the matter was resolved.

"He's participating fully and engaged in conversation," Yaw said.

Garber is taking two college courses to supplement home courses.

Snyder has taught at the college for a decade. The teacher's actions were first reported by the New York Times. Messages left for Snyder on Wednesday morning were not returned.