Woman Suffers Cardiac Arrest During NY Bar Exam Proctors Allegedly Didn’t Halt Test
A Fordham Law graduate collapsed during the New York State Bar Exam at Hofstra University on July 30. Reports allege proctors did not pause the exam despite a serious medical emergency raising concerns over emergency protocols and test taker safety .
Incident Overview
On July 30 2025 a Fordham Law graduate collapsed during the New York State Bar Examination at Hofstra University in Hempstead New York. According to eyewitness reports the woman suffered cardiac arrest just before the scheduled lunch break. Shockingly multiple accounts suggest that exam proctors did not stop or even pause the test as the medical emergency unfolded .
A spokesperson from Hofstra University confirmed the woman collapsed shortly before the scheduled lunch break. University public safety officers reportedly performed CPR and used a defibrillator before emergency medical personnel arrived and transported the woman to Nassau University Medical Center .
Response from Authorities
The New York State Board of Law Examiners NYSBOLE which oversees the bar exam issued a statement asserting that the emergency occurred just minutes before the morning session ended. According to them the session concluded on time papers were collected and candidates were dismissed shortly after responders were alerted .
Also Read : The Surprising Way Heidi Klum Keeps Her Marriage Spicy
However that version of events is now being questioned .
Eyewitness Perspectives
Several students present at the exam have contradicted the official narrative. On Reddit and other platforms candidates described a disturbing delay in the response .
“She collapsed onto the floor … For what felt like a long time no one reacted until a few people began calling for help … The exam never stopped. Everyone just … kept going” wrote one user .
Another test taker claimed that it took over seven minutes for CPR to begin and alleged that proctors dismissed concerns by telling students to “shut up and continue with the exam”
“That’s a real person who could be dying right in front of us” said one student. “And we’re still being expected to finish our questions”
Institutional Statements
Fordham Law Dean Joseph Landau confirmed that the woman is a recent alumna. He added that the school has contacted her family and is monitoring her recovery. Both Hofstra University and NYSBOLE expressed hope for her well being and indicated that they are reviewing protocols in light of the incident .
Broader Reactions and Concerns
The episode has sparked outrage and a renewed call for stronger emergency protocols during standardized testing. Legal professionals students and advocacy groups are demanding that exams include built in contingencies for medical emergencies—even those occurring near session ends .
Critics argue that test taker safety and human life must take precedence over testing continuity .
Looking Ahead
With an internal review now underway potential reforms include .
- Mandatory exam pauses during emergencies .
- Proctor training on medical response .
- Clearer communication protocols for candidates .
As the woman’s condition remains undisclosed both legal institutions and public observers await updates on her recovery and the outcomes of the investigation .
Closing Thoughts
This troubling incident raises fundamental questions about how high stakes exams are administered in the face of real human crises. The balance between procedure and compassion is now under the microscope—and many agree it’s time for that balance to shift .