Math Teacher Put On Indefinite Leave As ‘Fat-Shaming’ Algebra Quiz Investigated

A San Francisco math teacher was placed on indefinite leave Monday after being accused of using sexist and “fat-shaming” questions on a quiz.

Tom Chan, a Lowell High School math teacher of more than 20 years, assigned quiz questions about dating costs based on a girl’s weight or “sexy points,” along with others involving a “fat kid” and candy, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. Lowell High School Principal Jan Bautista notified parents Monday that Chan “needed” to go on leave, without explaining the reason or how long the leave would last.

That parental notification came just hours after The Chronicle contacted San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) officials for comment on Chan’s quiz. One parent told the paper that some families were hesitant to report Chan for fear of retaliation against students.

Director of communications Laura Dudnick told SFGATE the district is aware of complaints about the quiz. “We take these concerns seriously and are actively investigating,” she told the outlet in an emailed statement, declining to add more details on “a personnel matter.”

One question cited by the Chronicle used a woman’s weight as its premise. “The amount of money you spend on a date varies inversely to how much they weigh,” it said. “A typical girl that weighs 120lbs will cost you $55.”

Follow-up questions asked students to calculate the cost of a date with a 220-pound girl named Ashley and how much a date could weigh if a student could only afford $5. The prompt also asked students what the date’s name would be.