“Can I be excused because I need to finish my requirement on another subject?”

Hi teachers. I would just like to know how you’d feel when you get this message.

One of my students asked me today if he can be excused because he needs to finish his requirements on another subject that’s due on Monday. While I’m well aware that my subject is a minor, I felt annoyed and disrespected.

I replied “Are you telling me that my subject is less important than your requirement? If yes, then by all means, go.”

To be honest I’d just appreciate it if he wouldn’t show up in today’s class without saying anything.

I’m not sure if I appear too considerate to my class or they just don’t see the value of the subject I’m teaching at all.