Lowell High Teacher Tom Chan on Leave After Fat‑shaming, Sexist Quiz Claims

Tom Chan, a longtime Algebra I teacher at Lowell High School, was placed on indefinite leave in early March 2026 while the San Francisco Unified School District investigates complaints that his quizzes contained fat‑shaming and sexist content. Lowell Principal Jan Bautista notified families that “Chan needed to go on leave,” and district officials say they are looking into the allegations.

Parents, students and social posts described a series of quiz items that they say targeted girls and students’ weight. Patch reported one problem asked students to figure out how much it would cost to take a girl who weighs 120 pounds out on a Valentine’s Day date versus a girl who weighs 220 pounds. Other items were reported with titles such as “Mr. Chan vs. The Fat Kid,” and an Instagram fragment circulated online referred to “… quiz problems about a ‘fat kid’ punted in the air and the monetary cost of dating girls based on their weight or ‘sexy points.’ Lowell High.”

The San Francisco Unified School District confirmed it is investigating complaints about the math teacher’s test questions. SFUSD spokesperson Laura Dudnick said the district is aware of allegations “regarding inappropriate questions on a teacher’s exam and other related concerns,” and added, “We take these concerns seriously and are actively investigating.” Dudnick also emphasized the district’s priority that “students feel safe and supported in school” and said Lowell “remains committed to fostering a welcoming, responsive school community where every student feels comfortable coming forward,” noting the district’s 24/7 anonymous reporting system as a way for families to raise issues.

The sequence of events reported by local outlets began when a student’s parent raised concerns to the San Francisco Chronicle; a few hours later Jan Bautista informed families that Chan “needed to go on leave,” Patch reported. Patch also noted it was unclear whether the leave is paid or unpaid or should be characterized as a suspension. NBC Bay Area published coverage on March 3, 2026, reporting that students said the educator is now on leave but that the district had not confirmed a suspension.

Students who spoke with reporters described classroom material they found troubling while also offering mixed impressions of the teacher. Senior Jayden Grajeda said, “He has some odd mannerisms to him, but he's a good guy,” and “He has kids. He just seems like a lovable kind of enjoyable teacher.” Senior Ezra Medad said he “remembered seeing some questions referencing fat kids or word problems calculating how much money to spend on a date with a girl based on her weight.” NBC Bay Area also reported that Chan offered extra credit for performances posted to YouTube titled “Grades or Dignity.” Community discussion has spread to platforms including Reddit, where a thread carries the headline “Lowell High math teacher on leave after quizzes prompt allegations of fat‑shaming, sexist content.”

The Los Angeles Times noted it was not able to independently confirm the allegations. SFUSD’s active investigation means the specific quiz materials and whether further personnel actions will follow remain unresolved. The district has said it takes the complaints seriously and is reviewing the matter while students and families await clarity on both Chan’s employment status and any steps Lowell will take to address classroom materials.