Fourth grader praised for refusing to solve ‘offensive’ Maths problem

Rhythm Pacheco, a fourth-grader from Utah, is earning praises from across the world for standing by what she believes in. And what is the reason for it?

Read on to know…

So Rhythm was given a Maths homework question to solve which involved comparing the bodyweight of three girls.

The question read, “The table to the right shows the weight of three Grade 4 students. How much heavier is Isabel than the lightest student?”

Rhythm thought the question was rude and offensive and refused to solve it. She encircled the question and wrote “what!!!!” adding that, “This is offensive. Sorry I won’t right [write] this it’s rood [rude].”

We do know that such comparisons could have a detrimental effect on young girls and teenagers who might be insecure about their bodies and weight. Also, with body-shaming becoming so common, Rhythm’s stand is worth a praise.

When her mother Naomi Pacheco saw her little girl’s homework, she couldn’t be more proud and she shared some pictures on social media. Soon enough, the post went viral for all the right reasons. Netizens praised Rhythm for standing up for what she believed, and rightly so.

Rhythm also wrote a note for her teacher explaining why she did not solve the question. She wrote, “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”

Isn’t that so amazing and sensitive of this little girl?

Speaking to Today, Rhythm’s mother Naomi said, “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.”

But there was something wonderful that came out of this situation. Eureka Math, the education company that provided the school district with the maths questions, released a statement regarding the question.

“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 or offence 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.”

Isn’t this just a beautiful ending? What do you think of the stand that Rhythm took? Let us know your views in the comments section below.

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