If you're a law professor allow me to share a story from law school.

Most of my followers know this, but my youngest daughter has significant health issues. She was hospitalized numerous times (for weeks at a time) while I was in law school. I worked 20-30 hours every week. /1

My wife had to quit working b/c her job couldn't handle her taking weeks off at a time w/ no notice because of my daughter's hospitalizations. My income was our sole income and I was often juggling work, class, and my 2 other kids while my wife was away at the hospital. /2

There were several times I felt like I was drowning. I was worried about my daughter's health, money, and life. Trying in vain to keep all the balls in the air.

What's my point? Most of my professors didn't know. They just knew a mid-30's white guy showed up every day. /3

I was one of the few students older than 30. I was one of the few married students and one of the only students with kids. I was on food stamps. The last thing I needed was to be seen as unable to cope.

So a few professors knew, but most had no idea. /4

Hell, I hid the fact that I was on food stamps so well that none of my friends even knew.

So I just ask that you consider your policies this year. Consider not forcing students to opt out of policies. Don't make students highlight their status to qualify for some benefit. /5

I know a lot of ink has been spilled about strict deadlines and rigid policies and how it mimics "real life." But in my experience, the real practice of law is significantly more flexible than law school ever will be.

So just consider it. That's all. /fin