There's not a student in history who likes homework.
Okay, so there might be, but it's not anyone's most favourite thing to do in the world.
But, spare a thought for senior-school girls at Highland High School in Salt Lake City, Utah whose homework was to go on a mandatory date with the opposite sex.
According to the school's local newspaper, Salt Lake Tribune, the assignment was part of the school's adult roles and financial literacy class.
Mother Jenn Oxborrow posted a picture of her daughter's 'misogynistic' homework assignment with the caption to Facebook, 'My 11th grade AP honors student's homework: 'go on a date!' … Thanks for educating our kids, Utah Department of Education. We really appreciate your evidence-based misogyny.'
Meanwhile, other social media users have been keen to show their disgust at the ridiculous homework.
The instructions for the homework informed students they were only allowed to spend £4 on their date and would have to write a summary of what they did and how it went.
Their dates would then have to sign their signature confirming their date had followed the homework's instructions to the best of their ability.
So, not only were students instructed to go on a date but would have to be judged on a list of preposterous ideas of femininity, women and relationships.
Oh, and did we mention they had to go on a date with a member of the opposite sex?
The fact a school thought it would be okay to force their students to go on a date is one thing but to enforce heterosexual partnerships is on a whole other level of homophobia and sexism.
Suggestions for the girls' behavior on the date included:
- Eat the food you order. Don't waste his money.
- Don't fish for compliments
- If you think you're too fat, etc., keep it to yourself.
- Show him you enjoy being with him.
- Dress appropriately for the date
- Be feminine and lady-like, don't use vulgar language or swear
- Show respect for him.
- Don't criticize his diving (unless it's not safe).
Oh, and when you've done all that, 'relax and be yourself'.
As if that's possible after you've just been told to act like a submissive second-class citizen.
Lucy Mulligan, Oxborrow's daughter, told the Tribune her teacher made it seem like the date was mandatory: 'She really didn't leave it up to us if we wanted to or not.'
Someone needs to take this teacher back to school to teach them a little something about equality and education.
Katie O'Malley is the Site Director on ELLE UK. On a daily basis you’ll find Katie managing all digital workflow, editing site, video and newsletter content, liaising with commercial and sales teams on new partnerships and deals (eg Nike, Tiffany & Co., Cartier etc), implementing new digital strategies and compiling in-depth data traffic, SEO and ecomm reports. In addition to appearing on the radio and on TV, as well as interviewing everyone from Oprah Winfrey to Rishi Sunak PM, Katie enjoys writing about lifestyle, culture, wellness, fitness, fashion, and more.
