Tom Chan, a longtime math teacher at Lowell High School, has been placed on indefinite leave after a parent objected to quiz questions that families say crossed the line into fat‑shaming and sexism. The move has rattled students at one of San Francisco's most competitive public schools, and coverage of his classes is on hold while the district reviews what happened.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Principal Jan Bautista emailed families yesterday saying Chan "needed to go on leave" with no return date set, and that SFUSD opened an investigation after a parent's complaint. The Chronicle reports that some quiz items included a problem titled "mr. chan vs. the fat kid (part 2)" that described punting a "fat kid" into the air, along with other questions that asked students for their heights and weights or to choose whether someone was "pretty or smart." District officials declined to say whether Chan's leave is paid or personal, the paper noted.
Students and Parents Say This Is Part of a Pattern
Some parents and older students told local reporters that similarly uncomfortable material had appeared in earlier classes and that students worried about retaliation if they spoke up. A 2024 survey by the student newspaper found a sizable share of students reporting uncomfortable classroom interactions, according to The Lowell. Longform reporting by the USC Center for Health Journalism has also documented earlier allegations that helped spark a broader reckoning over student safety and staff conduct at the school.
District Response and Investigation
In a statement to the SF Chronicle, SFUSD spokesperson Laura Dudnick said the district takes concerns seriously and is investigating while trying to ensure students feel safe and supported. According to the paper, the district pointed families to several reporting options, including an anonymous "See Something, Say Something" system. Administrators have not given a timeline for finishing the investigation or for permanently reassigning Chan's classes.
A History of Complaints at Lowell
The current controversy lands on a campus that has already grappled with questions about teacher conduct and accountability. In 2023, a suspension of a Lowell teacher followed an inquiry into classroom behavior, highlighting long-running concerns over how the district handles complaints. Parents and advocates say the Chan case will be another test of whether SFUSD's processes produce clearer outcomes and stronger protections for students.
What Comes Next
SFUSD's investigation will determine whether Chan's leave leads to discipline, retraining, or some other resolution, and families say they will be watching for transparency at every step. For now, students and parents are pressing administrators to spell out classroom norms more clearly and to make it safer to raise concerns without worrying about grades or other forms of academic pushback.
