Veteran Lowell High Math Teacher Tom Chan on Leave Over Alleged Fat-Shaming and Sexist Content

A veteran math teacher at Lowell High School in San Francisco has been placed on indefinite leave following allegations that his teaching methods include fat-shaming and sexist content. Tom Chan, who has taught at the school for over 20 years, faces scrutiny after a ninth-grade quiz reportedly included prompts that linked weight to spending on dates and asked students to evaluate their own and others' appearances. The controversy has sparked intense debate among parents, students, and school officials, with some calling the questions deeply inappropriate and others defending Chan as a well-meaning, if eccentric, educator.

Privileged access to internal school documents and student testimonials reveals a pattern of behavior that has raised red flags. One Algebra 1 test, dated February 2025, included a question that read: '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.' Students were then asked to calculate how much would be spent on a date with a 220lbs individual named Ashley. Another question, titled 'Mr. Chan vs The Fat Kid (Part 2),' described a scenario where a student was 'punted into the air' for eating candy, followed by a prompt asking students when they last 'gave candy to a fat kid.' These questions, unrelated to mathematical concepts, have been described by critics as reinforcing harmful stereotypes and creating a hostile environment.

Chan's YouTube channel, which contains over 200 instructional videos, has also come under fire for its unconventional style. Clips show the teacher using a screen recording to demonstrate graphing calculator techniques, but the videos are punctuated by bizarre scenes: Chan writing AP concepts on his bare, dirty feet while sitting on his bed, or appearing in a muscle tank while lifting weights. Additional videos titled 'Grades or Dignity' depict students performing goofy dances for extra credit, with one uploaded in May 2025 stating bluntly, 'Kids need an A, so I provide an out.' Parents have raised concerns that these methods pressure students into humiliating themselves for academic rewards, with one parent telling the *San Francisco Chronicle*, 'They're buying grades from him by humiliating themselves.'

The controversy has drawn mixed reactions from students. Some, like senior Jayden Grajeda, describe Chan as a 'good guy' with 'odd mannerisms' who 'just seems like a lovable, enjoyable teacher.' Others, however, find the content offensive. A parent whose children had previously been in Chan's classes claimed the teacher repeatedly graded students on material they had not learned, calling it 'abusive' and a form of control. Meanwhile, senior Kaela Liao praised Chan's dedication, stating he 'tutor[ed] me after school' and 'took extra time to help students succeed.' She added, 'I don't think he meant to hurt anybody by what he was doing.'

The school district has not yet disclosed the timeline of its investigation into Chan or the potential sanctions he may face. Principal Jan Bautista announced Chan's leave without specifying a return date, urging the community to 'respect his privacy' while the school arranges coverage for his classes. District spokesperson Laura Dudnick told the *San Francisco Chronicle* that the district 'takes these concerns seriously and is actively investigating.' Parents have called for transparency, with one arguing, 'There shouldn't be a girl's weight based on how much a gentleman is going to spend on their date.' Others have expressed fear of retaliation, warning that students who speak out could face grade penalties or harm to college recommendations.

As the investigation continues, Lowell High School has emphasized its commitment to fostering a 'welcoming, responsive school community.' However, the incident has exposed deep tensions between academic rigor and student well-being, with critics arguing that Chan's methods blur the line between humor and harassment. For now, the school remains silent on whether Chan will return to the classroom—or if his unconventional approach will be deemed a violation of educational standards.