Saudi academic under investigation for ridiculing students’ exam answers on Snapchat

A young Saudi academic who teaches at Al Ta'if University is being investigated after she ridiculed one of her student's exam answers on Snapchat, Okaz newspaper reported. 

In her post, the teacher captures the pupil's response to a part of the exam in which students were asked to list the names of ten Saudi plays.

She then ridicules one of the student's answers naming popular media personality Ahmad Al Shugairi as a playwright. The snap, which was uploaded to Twitter earlier this week, has since gone viral on Saudi social media, sparking a heated debate among users. 

In his statement on the matter, the university's official spokesman, Saleh bin Mohammad Al Thubaiti, said the incident is now being investigated by the board of the academic institution. 

He added that if it's proven the academic did violate any rules by sharing confidential material on social media, she will be held accountable. Al Thubaiti also stressed that the university is focused on ensuring that its students' rights are protected against any violation. 

Just hours after the academic's snap post went viral, it sparked controversy on social media with many deeming her action inappropriate, given her reputable position.

"Unfortunately, the misuse of social media platforms is becoming a major issue. Even educated professionals are committing bizarre online mistakes." 

"She must be held accountable."

"The student should also be blamed for submitting such an answer."

"Even if the student made a mistake or was playing around with her answers, her paper and grades must be kept private. Acting with integrity is vital in any profession, whether it's teaching, medicine, nursing or law. Anything that involves an individual's personal information must be confidential and no one has a right to violate this rule."