California Math Teacher Suspended Amid Fat-Shaming Quiz and Unusual YouTube Channel Revelations
A veteran mathematics instructor at Lowell High School in San Francisco has been placed on indefinite leave following the exposure of a controversial quiz containing fat-shaming and sexist content. Tom Chan, a teacher with over two decades of experience at the institution, is under investigation by school authorities after a ninth-grade Algebra I test included inappropriate prompts about student weight and appearance.
Controversial Quiz Questions Spark Outrage
The February quiz, according to reports from the San Francisco Chronicle, featured multiple questions that have been condemned as offensive and harmful. One question presented a scenario where the amount of money spent on a date "varies inversely to how much they weigh," with a follow-up calculation involving a hypothetical person weighing 220 pounds. Another prompt asked students, "How tall are you and how much do you weigh?" followed by, "Pick one: Pretty or Smart. And why?"
Additional quiz content included a section titled "Mr Chan vs The Fat Kid (Part 2)," which described physically punting a "fat kid" into the air over candy disputes, with questions about when students last "gave candy to a fat kid." Parents have expressed serious concerns about these materials reinforcing damaging stereotypes and creating an uncomfortable learning environment.
Bizarre YouTube Teaching Methods Surface
Following Chan's suspension, attention has turned to his extensive YouTube channel containing more than 200 instructional videos covering Algebra I, calculus, and geometry concepts. The channel features unconventional teaching methods that have raised eyebrows among parents and educators alike.
One particularly unusual video shows Chan writing Advanced Placement concepts on his bare feet with a green marker while apparently sitting on his bed. Another series of videos titled "Grades or Dignity" films students performing goofy dances to earn extra credit, with one May 2025 upload bluntly described as, "Kids need an A, so I provide an out."
Mixed Reactions from Students and Parents
Responses to Chan's teaching methods have been divided within the school community. Some students have defended the teacher, describing him as supportive and well-liked. Senior Kaela Liao told KTVU 2 News that Chan tutored her after school regularly, stating, "I don't think he meant to hurt anybody by what he was doing."
Other students acknowledged the unusual nature of some content but emphasized Chan's dedication. Senior Jayden Grajeda told NBC Bay Area News, "He has some odd mannerisms to him, but he's a good guy. He just seems like a lovable kind of enjoyable teacher."
However, parents have expressed significant concerns about the appropriateness of both the quiz questions and teaching methods. One parent told the San Francisco Chronicle, "They're buying grades from him by humiliating themselves," referring to the dance videos. Another parent, Jackie Norori, criticized the weight-related quiz questions as "inappropriate" and "disrespectful."
School District Response and Investigation
Lowell High School principal Jan Bautista announced Chan's indefinite leave in a message to families, explaining that the teacher "needed to go on leave" with no specified return date. The school district has launched a formal investigation into the matter, with district spokesperson Laura Dudnick stating, "We take these concerns seriously and are actively investigating."
The San Francisco Unified School District has emphasized student safety as its top priority, urging students and families to report any concerns. In an official statement, the district affirmed, "Lowell remains committed to fostering a welcoming, responsive school community where every student feels comfortable coming forward."
Academic Pressure and Classroom Dynamics
The controversy has highlighted broader concerns about academic pressure at Lowell High School, known for its rigorous academic environment. One parent described Chan's practice of quizzing students on untaught material as "abusive" and serving as "a form of control" in this high-pressure setting.
Despite the ongoing investigation, some students expressed hope for Chan's return to the classroom. Senior Ezra Medad noted that Chan "took extra time" to help students succeed, while Grajeda added that he's "looking forward to Chan returning to the classroom."
The school district has not yet provided a timeline for the investigation's completion or outlined potential sanctions Chan might face. The Daily Mail has reached out to multiple school officials for additional comment on the developing situation.
