NYU decision to fire acclaimed professor amid poor grades angers parents: 'Soft bigotry of low expectations'

Parents say a New York University professor's firing following a student petition over grading is indicative of a lowering of academic standards across the U.S.

But last May, 82 of Jones' 350 NYU students signed a petition against him arguing that the course was too hard and blaming Jones for their poor test scores. Organic chemistry has a infamous reputation in the academic world for its rigorous subject matter.  Cortney O'Brien is an Editor at Fox News. Twitter: @obrienc2

"We are very concerned about our scores, and find that they are not an accurate reflection of the time and effort put into this class," the petition read, according to the New York Times. "We urge you to realize… that a class with such a high percentage of withdrawals and low grades has failed to make students’ learning and well-being a priority and reflects poorly on the chemistry department as well as the institution as a whole."