Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To whom it may concern,

For the past two months, I have been trying very hard to complete the MUSC245, Intro to Hip Hop Course, which is heavily based on race. I am writing to appeal a late drop for this course as I am not able to complete the course.

I had previously applied to take an academic leave which has been approved by Arts and Science Counsellor, Allison Lavinge from March 25th to June 2nd as there has been a death in my family whose cause of death was racially motivated. Hence, I have been finding it very hard to complete and engage in this course, as every time I have tried to do so, I have been having anxiety attacks and outbursts from the traumatic event in my family. Whilst I am deeply passionate about the issues concerning race and gender, for the time being, this topic has also become very triggering and emotionally consuming for me to engage in. As I am constantly being reminded that my existence as a minority and other minority groups do not matter in the eyes of Western institutions, including, Queen's.

I understand it is very late notice but I really wanted to at least try to complete the course as it is a topic I am deeply passionate about. However, due to the added trauma from my family's death and my mental disability, I don't think I am able to do so. I would like to appeal to drop the course if possible.

Hope you could understand my predicament.

Best wishes,
Chelsea Lee