There are no stupid questions.Professors have been telling their students this for ages.

But to some, it seems this is a lie they feel the need to repeat every semester for appearances sake.

Granted there are some stupid questions.

There are always students who as they raise their hands the entire class and professor join in a collective sigh.

It is inevitable.

In general, people do tend to have legitimate questions, especially in upper-level courses, but lately I am noticing a trend in the Q&A sessions among students and faculty and staff.

It seems some professors take a little delight in making the curious student look like a fool.

Everyone knows what I’m talking about.

Just in case, let me set the scene:

Student raises his or her hand.

Professor hears the student’s inquiry.

Then, with a smirk and a blank stare, the professor looks away.

The professor looks completely dumbfounded that someone wouldn’t already know the answer.

And to make sure the student realizes how ridiculous he or she is, the professor begins a response with a humorous, “wellll.”

Trust me, I get it.

You have more schooling than me.

I get it.

You have more life experience than me.

But isn’t that the point of being a student?

Isn’t that why people become teachers?

To help mold those young, curious minds and teach them about the world.

How else are students supposed to learn?

How else are students supposed to gain life experience?

Instead of belittling those “peons” the university classifies as students, please realize that it is hard enough to ask a question.

Getting an answer that involves a smirk and a quiet laugh doesn’t help.

Even though someone may have “Dr.” in front of his or her name, it doesn’t mean that person suddenly knows all the delicate intricacies of the universe.

Please do not misunderstand.

I am not trying to downplay the time and effort that goes into attaining a doctorate degree, but a Ph.D. is not a free pass to talk down to others because they are not at the same level.

Respect is a two-way street and it has to be earned.

Students are expected to respect their professors, but the reverse should be true as well.

Administrators don’t need to baby students in an attempt to not hurt their feelings, but they shouldn’t be vicious either.

If someone feels they are constantly being asked stupid questions, then maybe that person should re-evaluate what he or she is saying.

Are they making any sense in the first place?

Belittling anyone, especially those looking for guidance in a place that is set up for such, only creates an uncomfortable environment.

Amanda Shimko is a senior international communication/news-editorial journalism major from Fort Worth.