A fourth grade student from Utah knows what ‘offensive’ really means! She is being lauded over the internet for bold refusing to answer a maths problem, for reason that will win your heart. Rhythm Pacheco, refused to solve a sum stating that the question was rude, and involved comparing girls’ weight.
The problem read, “The table to the right shows the weight of three Grade 4 students. How much heavier is Isabel than the lightest student?”
Rhythm is a student at the Grant Elementary School in Murray and was recently given a homework where a question involving body-weight of girls.
She encircled the question and wrote “what!!!!” adding that, “This is offensive. Sorry I won’t right [write] this it’s rood [rude].” Not just that she also sent a polite note to her teacher explaining why she couldn’t answer the question. People on social media are praising the little girl for her beliefs and confidence to question societal norms.
The note read: “Dear Mrs. Shaw, I don’t want to be rude, but I don’t think that math problem was very nice because that’s judging people’s weight. Also, the reason I did not do the sentence is cause I just don’t think that’s nice. -Love Rhythm”
Her mother Naomi told Today, “Rhythm’s dad and I were extremely proud of Rhythm for listening to her gut instincts and standing up for what is right. Rhythm’s teacher was so responsive and handled the situation with such care. She told her she understands how she would be upset about this and that she didn’t have to write out the answer.”
After Rhythm’s comment went viral, Eureka Math, the company that provides core educational materials to the girl’s school district, released a statement regarding the questionable math problem.
“User feedback is a vital part of our culture; we are grateful to receive constructive feedback from students, teachers, and parents alike,” said the statement. “We apologize for any discomfort of offense caused by the question. Please know that we will replace this question in all future reprints, and suggest that teachers supply students with an appropriate replacement question in the interim.”
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