A veteran math teacher at Lowell High School in San Francisco is currently under investigation following multiple complaints about inappropriate and offensive questions appearing on his ninth-grade Algebra 1 tests. The questions reportedly contained references to students' weight, promoted values based on physical appearance, and included sexist undertones.
Key Takeaways
- Lowell High School math teacher Tom Chan is under investigation for inappropriate test questions.
- Allegations include fat-shaming, sexist questions, and comments about dating costs based on appearance.
- The San Francisco Unified School District is actively investigating the matter.
- Reactions from students and parents are mixed, with some expressing concern and others defending the teacher.
Investigation Launched After Student Complaints
The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) received several complaints regarding the test content. Principal Jan Bautista of Lowell High School confirmed the investigation in a letter sent to the school community on Tuesday afternoon. The district emphasized that ensuring students feel safe and supported is its primary concern.
Tom Chan, the teacher at the center of the allegations, has taught at Lowell High School for over 20 years. The district stated it cannot share specific details due to the matter being a personnel issue. However, officials confirmed that every report is investigated, and appropriate corrective action will be taken if required, following district procedures and collective bargaining agreements.
Teacher's Tenure
Tom Chan has been a teacher at Lowell High School for more than 20 years, primarily teaching math.
Details of the Alleged Test Questions
The inappropriate questions, first reported by the San Francisco Chronicle, appeared on Chan's ninth-grade Algebra 1 tests. They included scenarios that allegedly shamed individuals for their weight and implied that girls are not proficient in math. One question presented a premise about the financial cost of dating based on a girl's weight.
"The amount of money you spend on a date varies inversely to how much they weigh. A typical girl that weighs 120 lbs. Will cost you $55. Derive the variation equation. How much would you expect to pay for a date with Ashley, who is 220 lbs.? If you can only afford $5, how much would your date weigh and what is his/her name?"
Another question reportedly asked students to create an equation for the height and time a "fat kid who wouldn’t be quiet about candy" would spend in the air after being "punted" by Chan. This question also asked, "When was the last time you gave candy to a fat kid?" These examples highlight the nature of the complaints.
School Admissions
Lowell High School recently returned to a merit-based admission system after two years of using a lottery system. This change followed a vote by the San Francisco school board.
Community Reactions: Divided Opinions
The allegations have drawn mixed reactions from parents and students. Jackie Norori, a parent of a Lowell High senior, expressed strong disapproval of the questions. "There shouldn’t be a girl’s weight based on how much a gentleman is going to spend on their date," Norori stated. "That, for me, is a little disrespectful. He should know better."
Roberto Vallejo, another parent, echoed these concerns, emphasizing the importance of student safety. "As a parent and having a daughter, I want to make sure my daughter is safe when I drop her off at school," Vallejo said, stressing the need for the school to take decisive action if the allegations are proven true.
Student Perspectives on Tom Chan
Some students expressed surprise that Chan was not on campus on Wednesday. They described him as a supportive teacher who used unconventional methods to help students learn complex math concepts. Chan reportedly maintains a YouTube channel where he posts videos explaining difficult topics, sometimes using humor.
Kaela Liao, a senior at Lowell High, defended Chan. "Out of all the teachers I’ve ever had, he was the most supportive. Every day, he would tutor me after school because I was struggling," Liao said. "I don’t think he meant to hurt anybody by what he was doing."
However, other students believe the district should take more significant action. "I think it’s pretty inappropriate," said Noelia Martinez, also a senior. "I think Ms. Bautista should definitely talk to our math teacher about it and get something fixed, because it’s not OK. And I think he should take some time away from school to really think about what has happened."
District Encourages Reporting Concerns
The San Francisco Unified School District has urged students and families to report any concerns they may have. The district reiterated its commitment to fostering a welcoming and responsive school community where every student feels comfortable coming forward. Multiple channels are available for reporting issues.
SFUSD's "See Something, Say Something" anonymous reporting system operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This system ensures that students and families can report incidents without fear of reprisal, reinforcing the district's dedication to student well-being and a safe learning environment.
- The district's priority is student safety and support.
- All reports are investigated thoroughly.
- Corrective action will be taken if necessary.
- Anonymous reporting system is available for concerns.
