In the icy grip of a historic blizzard, which meteorologists have termed a "Snowicane," the New York Board of Law Examiners has issued a frosty mandate to bar exam applicants: be present or be marked as withdrawn. This decision comes despite the cancellation of over 10,000 flights and a citywide travel ban during the storm's peak, which saw parts of the city buried under 27 inches of snow. The announcement has left many applicants in a cold state of distress, struggling to navigate "nearly impossible" roads.

The Board's harsh directive leaves no room for weather-related excuses. According to the ABA Journal, a message from the Board's information line stated: "Failure to show up at the exam will not prevent you from reapplying for a future administration of the bar exam in New York unless you have three or more withdrawals and absences, in which case you will need to petition the board for permission to reapply." Notably, the message makes no mention of refunds for those unable to attend due to the severe weather.

The policy has sparked outrage and concern as it pressures law graduates, who are often desperate to secure their legal careers, to risk dangerous travel conditions. This is not the first time such an issue has arisen; similar situations have occurred in other states, leading to power outages during exams and forced exposure to hazardous conditions.

Critics argue that the bar exam, often criticized for its rigorous and inflexible nature, prioritizes form over substance. In emergency situations like these, the lack of flexibility highlights the exam's role more as a gatekeeping mechanism rather than a true test of competence. Many believe that alternative measures could be arranged to evaluate candidates without compromising their safety.

Applicants, many of whom have dedicated months to preparation and paid significant fees, now find themselves in a perilous dilemma. They must choose between endangering their safety or facing the possibility of being barred from reapplication without undergoing a complex petition process.

This incident raises serious questions about the priorities and compassion of those who administer one of the most crucial exams in a lawyer's career path. As the legal community watches how this situation unfolds, many hope for a reconsideration of policies that put candidates in such uncompromising positions during inevitable natural disasters.