San Francisco Math Teacher Under Investigation for Controversial Test Content

An educator from a prestigious San Francisco school has been temporarily removed from his position following accusations of incorporating fat-shaming and misogynistic content into student assessments.

Tom Chan, a veteran teacher with two decades of experience at Lowell High School, caused a stir when it was alleged that his quiz included references to a “fat kid,” candy, and awarded “sexy points” to girls based on their weight.

Principal Jan Bautista informed parents via email that Chan “needed to go on leave,” indicating a change in the teaching staff.

According to anonymous sources who spoke to the San Francisco Chronicle, the controversial questions were part of Algebra I quizzes administered by Chan.

These questions, parents claimed, perpetuated stereotypes about girls’ mathematical abilities and included harmful body-shaming language.

“It’s pretty shocking,” a parent said. “The fact that nobody has brought this up to the school and he’s been there a really long time.”

One example of the quiz was based on the relationship between a girl’s weight and how much one should pay on a date with her.

Here are the quiz questions quoted word for word:

“The amount of money you spend on a date varies inversely to how much they weigh. A typical girl that weighs 120lbs will cost you $55.
a) Derive the variation equation.
b) How much would you expect to pay for a date with Ashley who is 220lbs?
c) If you can only afford $5, how much would your date weigh and what is his/her name?”

Another section was titled: “Mr. Chan vs. The Fat Kid (part 2),” which appears to set up a math problem using a narrative scenario.

It begins with the line: “The fat kid from last time wouldn’t be quiet about the candy I was eating in front of him, so I punted him up into the air.”

From there, students were asked to solve math questions involving an equation for height and time — likely a standard projectile motion problem, such as calculating how high something goes or how long it stays in the air based on a formula.

Some of the questions did not appear to have any mathematical component, parents added, with some described as inappropriate to ask students.

“How tall are you and how much do you weigh?” one question asked.

“Pick one: Pretty or Smart. And why?” stated another question that prompted students to share their view.

Beyond the quizzes, Chan has also come under scrutiny for YouTube videos that attempt to make math “fun.”

A video titled “Grades vs. Dignity” showed teens performing silly dances to earn extra credit to raise their grades, according to his YouTube page. In the most recent video, posted in May 2025, Chan wrote in the description, “Kids need an A so I provide an out.”

“They’re buying grades from him by humiliating themselves,” a parent said. “The kids look like they’re laughing and stuff, but I’m not sure all of them are into it.”

One alum on a Reddit thread also weighed in.

“He definitely went over the line on these quizzes’ questions and that’s alarming,” the alum wrote, adding that he attended some time ago and his memory was “fuzzy” at best.

“The quiz’s language is extremely offensive,” the alum added, but said he was torn about defending the YouTube video Chan posted.

“The video is actually fairly benign. For context, at Lowell, there are festivals where both students and teachers perform, have fun and be silly (it is Lowell — a reminder to students to destress), in which he participated quite a bit,” the alum said.

There was no clarity on when Chan would return, if he would return, or whether the leave was paid. Principal Bautista asked parents to respect his privacy.

The Post has reached out to Lowell High School for comment on the nature of Chan’s apparent dismissal, which came after the Chronicle initially emailed the school with questions about concerns expressed by parents.

“SFUSD is aware of the allegations regarding inappropriate questions on a teacher’s exam and other related concerns. We take these concerns seriously and are actively investigating,” the San Francisco Unified School District said.

“While we cannot share details because this is a personnel matter, we can share that once an issue is brought to our attention, we investigate every report and take appropriate corrective action if required.”

The school district said it encouraged students to use its “See Something, Say Something” anonymous reporting system to report such incidents in the future, in its email to The Post.

“Our priority is ensuring students feel safe and supported in school,” the district added.

“Lowell remains committed to fostering a welcoming, responsive school community where every student feels comfortable coming forward. There are multiple ways for students and families to report issues of concern.”

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