Picture this: you’re a grad student teaching a programming course, and you give your students the freedom to create their own final exam project. One group of all-male students submits a well-made program, but its content is questionable at best. It’s a ‘chance me’ program for guys trying to ‘get laid,’ with self-ratings based on attractiveness, confidence, and other superficial factors. As the teacher, would you accept the assignment or take a stand against sexism? Read on to find out how one teacher handled this delicate situation.
The Grad Student Teacher’s Dilemma

The Controversial Assignment

A Well-Made, But Sexist Program

A Reasonable Extension Offered

An Easy Fix Suggested

Students Report the Teacher

Was the Teacher Unreasonable?

Taking a Stand Against Sexism, But at What Cost?
This grad student teacher found themselves in a tricky situation when an all-male group submitted a sexist final assignment. While the program was technically well-made, the teacher refused to accept it and offered the students a chance to resubmit a different project with a reasonable extension. Despite the teacher’s offer to help them make a quick fix, the students reported the teacher to the Department Head, who sided with the teacher. The students eventually complied, but not without leaving negative reviews for the teacher. Was the teacher’s decision justified, or did they go too far? Let’s see what people have to say about this controversial situation…
Student’s sexist project rejected by NTA professor, sparks controversy

Student criticizes program for being gross and demeaning towards women
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Academic policies must be cited to avoid future sexist assignments

Female STEM student praises teacher for fighting against sexism

NTA for rejecting sexist final assignment, gave option to resubmit.

Female software engineer supports rejecting sexist final assignment

Male CS major supports rejecting sexist project proposal

Rejecting a sexist final assignment? NTA, obviously.

Woman defends controversial CS project, criticizes students’ behavior.

Student rejects sexist project, hopes for accountability.

NTA for rejecting inappropriate final exam material

Computer science major calls out app, suggests alternative, NTA

NTA recognized technical merit, gave easy method to get an A

Furious reply to teacher’s rejection of sexist final assignment

Teaching professionalism and respect in the workplace. NTA

NTA, but consider adding unacceptable topic guidelines to rubric

Curious commenter seeks clarification on sexist final assignment criteria.
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Teaching a valuable lesson

Programmer defends technical grading, criticized for activism in course.

Pushing back against sexism: NTA and feeling good!

Teacher called out for rejecting final project, sparks debate

Student praises professor’s rejection of sexist assignment

Professor calls out teacher’s mistake with mild YTA comment.
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Confusion over sexism in final assignment sparks discussion
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Debate over gender-swapping and definition of sexism ensues

Teacher receives backlash for rejecting polished but offensive assignment.

Recognizing sexism in school assignment, NTA receives praise

Fighting misogyny in STEM: Teacher rejects sexist assignment. NTA

Former professor defends rejecting sexist assignment, warns of consequences.

User questions why app is considered sexist, sparks debate.

NTA teacher rejects sexist assignment, sparks controversy

Student defends teacher’s rejection of sexist final assignment.

User defends a ‘sexist’ app, claims it’s sex-positive.

User defends teacher’s decision, calls out sexism in comment.

Standing up against sexism in academia.

NTA teacher suggests project proposals to avoid issues and help students

Fighting sexism one assignment at a time
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Debate over whether the assignment was sexist or tongue-in-cheek

Supportive comment encourages more women to take STEM classes with professor.

User defends students’ immature but creative software expression.

Student defends teacher’s rejection of sexist final assignment

Female STEM student praises teacher for rejecting sexist assignment
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Fair grading policy, not difficult for students to comply

Standing up against sexism and rape culture is heroic! NTA

NTA teaches important ethical lesson, not cancel culture.

User defends sexist joke, accuses teacher of being unprofessional.

Fair teacher stands up to toxic sexism
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Supportive comment suggests proposal assignment to prevent future incidents of sexism.

Educator suggests clear guidelines for acceptable topics in assignments

Pushing for change: NTA calls out sexist final assignment.

NTA rejects sexist assignment and calls out the BS

Creative solutions proposed for sexist final assignment.

User suggests reverse gender program, sparks discussion

Breaking gender stereotypes in computer science
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Supportive comment applauds teacher for rejecting sexist final assignment.

Standing up against sexism and offering helpful advice

Female STEM student calls out sexism in college project app

User calls out teacher for rejecting sexist assignment. YTA.

RMP doesn’t matter, good students take it with a grain of salt

Suggests alternative approach to rejecting sexist assignment.
