Chief Sealth International High School ethnic studies teacher fails student on quiz for answering that only women can get pregnant

On December 10, 2023, KTTH reported that a Tenth Grade Ethnic Studies World History teacher at Chief Sealth International High School failed a student on a quiz “for saying only women can get pregnant and that only men have penises.” The teacher gave students a quiz titled “Understanding Gender vs. Sex.” KTTH explained that the quiz “provided a series of statements to label true or false, or questions with multiple choices.” The news outlet continued to report:

Many of the questions focused on personal pronoun use (When someone uses ‘they/them’ pronouns, what does that mean about their gender identity?” or assumptions one may make around gender identity. (“True/false: Transgender people are gay.”) Two questions, however, are objectively false, but students are taught the opposite.

The fourth question of the quiz was true or false and stated: “All men have penises.” The student answered “true,” but the teacher marked the answer as incorrect. The seventh question of the quiz was also true or false and stated: “Only women can get pregnant.” The student answered “true,” but the teacher also marked this answer as wrong.

KTTH reported that Seattle Public Schools defended the teacher and the quiz as being “inclusive.” The school district even mentioned the “patriarchy” in its statement:

Seattle Public Schools is dedicated to establishing inclusive environments that allow exploration of contemporary issues, specifically examining the impacts of power systems such as racism and patriarchy. This commitment extends to fostering welcoming and inclusive settings where students, staff, and families have the freedom to express their authentic selves.