Parsons made headlines on Monday when the school announced that legendary British fashion designer John Galliano will be teaching a class at the Fashion Department next semester.

Galliano, former head designer of Christian Dior from 1996 to 2011, will be teaching a three-day intensive workshop, which Parsons refers to as “a master class.” The class, entitled “SHOW ME EMOTION”, will only be available for senior fashion BFA students.

Galliano has drawn criticism in recent years after he was caught on video on an anti-Semitic rant at a Paris cafe. He was subsequently fired from Dior, and sentenced to pay $8,400 in fines for public racial insults.

“We believe over the past two years Galliano has demonstrated a serious intent to make amends for his past actions,” the Parsons Fashion Department said in a statement issued on Monday.

Student responses are mixed.

“I feel like [the class] is an amazing opportunity for students,” fashion major Grace Kim said. “But with [the scandal], students might not feel welcomed in a mentorship type of position.”

The Free Press will report on Galliano’s arrival at Parsons in the May print issue.