A 10th-grade student at Chief Sealth International High School in Seattle received a failing grade on a recent history quiz for answering true to the statements “All men have penises” and “Only women can get pregnant.”
The student’s mother, who asked to remain anonymous to protect her son, shared her frustration with the quiz on The Jason Rantz Show on Sunday. According to the mother, the quiz was administered in an Ethnic Studies World History class and aimed to test students’ understanding of gender and sex.
The controversial quiz, titled “Understanding Gender vs. Sex” included questions about pronoun usage and the concept of gender as a social construct. However, the mother of the student expressed outrage at her son being marked incorrect for stating that only women can get pregnant.
She told the radio show, “I keep trying to wrap my head around how it is legal to teach inaccurate information and force students to answer against their beliefs or receive negative scores.” She also shared that her son often faces criticism from teachers at the school for being “a product of the patriarchy that teaches young boys not to care about anything.”
Seattle Public Schools defended the quiz, stating that it was meant to promote inclusion and was in line with the lessons taught in the Ethnic Studies class. In a statement to The Post, a spokesperson for the district said, “[Seattle Public Schools] remains committed to fostering inclusive environments that encourage the exploration of contemporary issues, particularly the examination of power systems such as racism and patriarchy.”
Should this have even been a question on a public school test????
A Seattle high schooler was marked incorrect on a history quiz when he stated that only women can get pregnant, according to a report.https://t.co/YztVoDenrO
— The Silent Majority (@siIentmajority) December 13, 2023
The district also clarified that a failing grade on the quiz would not affect the student’s overall grade in the class. The course description for Ethnic Studies states that students will be examining the global economy, society, and culture, with a focus on power systems like racism and patriarchy.
The student’s mother stood by her son’s answers, stating that he was expressing his own beliefs which she believes to be “medically and scientifically accurate.” She expressed pride in her son for refusing to answer against his beliefs.
This quiz and the subsequent controversy have sparked a debate over the role of public schools in teaching about gender and sex. Some argue that it is important to promote inclusivity and create a safe space for students to discuss and learn about these topics. Others believe that schools should stick to teaching factual information and not impose their own beliefs on students.
This incident sheds light on the importance of proper training and education for teachers, especially when teaching sensitive and controversial topics. It is crucial for schools to create a balanced and respectful learning environment for students to explore and discuss contemporary issues. As the debate continues, it is essential for schools to consider the impact of their teachings and ensure that all students feel included and respected in the classroom.