Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Queens,

In the academic year 2017-2018 I underwent an extremely difficult situation regarding my ex-partner and father of my three year old daughter. I was a victim of abuse, stalking, and physical threats. In mid-2017 I began lawsuits against him in Germany and Switzerland, were he had attacked me, and I received a restraining order against him, but the harassment continued, for example, by him standing outside my apartment building on a regular basis.

During this time, in between caring for my daughter alone and working full-time, I struggled to finish my course FREN 290. I spent most of Oct/Nov/December navigating the German and Swiss court system. I also underwent psychological counselling during this time for extreme depression. Needless to say I did not manage to finish the course.

In January I optimistically enrolled in another course (I have been chipping away at this degree since some time) but was not able to complete it due to the continued emotional toll of the situation. My last court date was in late January. In early February I left my home and job in Germany due to the unbelievable stress and moved back home to my close family in Canada.

I have only decided to request an appeal now because it has been a long and difficult journey out of this terrible situation. I already have a degree in Germany, and I would like to finish this one as a point of pride. My ex prevented me from completing this BA for many years and I would like to finish what I started.

Marie-Eve Lafontaine