Pitt Instructor Apologizes After Comparing Mask-Wearing To The Holocaust

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- A University of Pittsburgh lecturer is under fire for comparing mask-wearing to the Holocaust.

"I was really disappointed because one of the reasons I chose Pitt was they were very big on diversity, big on making people feel comfortable, we took like required courses about diversity," said freshman Sarah Creveling.

Some University of Pittsburgh students said they're shocked at what the instructor said during a class last week. Pitt spokesman David Seldin confirmed that visiting lecturer Vasili Rukhadze compared wearing a mask to "being gassed in Auschwitz" during a Politics of Water lecture last week.

The university's health rules require face coverings regardless of vaccination status and the masks must be well-fitted and cover the mouth and nose.

"I was just really surprised, especially coming out of the University of Pittsburgh, it's not a comment I would expect out of here and I want to know more about it and see what's happening and see how the university responds and see what's going to happen from here," said freshman Gal Yovel.

The information was first reported by Pitt News.

Pitt spokesman David Seldin shared a statement on behalf of the University that said, "The University is aware of a faculty member using inappropriate and offensive language during a class. The faculty member's comments stand in direct opposition to our values and the appropriate offices have engaged with both the faculty member and students. As a university, we remain steadfastly committed to creating an inclusive environment that allows everyone to succeed and events like this underscore how important this work continues to be. We encourage the Pitt community to report incidents like these so the university can assess the situation and promptly respond."

Rukhadze apologized to the class in an email.

"I've been in classes with a lot of people who are Jewish. It was really disappointing for me at least in such a city with such a big Jewish population too and knowing how my friends would feel hearing that. So hopefully something is done about it just because it made me really upset," Creveling said.

It's not clear if the instructor is facing any sanctions from the university at this time.

KDKA Reporter Jessica Guay reached out to Rukhadze for comment and has not heard back.