Sexist medieval assignment sparks controversy in Texas school district

Shallowater, Texas - A homework assignment on chivalry in a high-school English class on chivalry is raising eyebrows in Texas.

"Rules for Chivalry" was the original title of the controversial assignment.
"Rules for Chivalry" was the original title of the controversial assignment.  © Twitter Screenshot Brandi D. Addison Davis

According to Insider.com, the students were asked to follow the rules of chivalry as in the Middle Ages.

Among other things, the female students were ordered to greet the men with bowed heads and a curtsy. Furthermore, the students were asked to cook or bake something for the "gentlemen."

In addition, the women were required not to "complain or whine."

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Likewise, they were to "walk behind the men" and "obey" them.

The boys had things a lot easier. According to the school assignment, they were simply told to "dress appropriately" in suits and ties – not in, say, knight's armor.

Women should be addressed as "milady." Otherwise, the gentlemen should behave nobly and refrain from using vulgar language.

Controversial assignment removed from syllabus

The rules for "chivalric" behavior were even supposed to apply outside the classroom (stock image).
The rules for "chivalric" behavior were even supposed to apply outside the classroom (stock image).  © 123RF/Cathy Yeulet

The exact assignment was shared on Twitter by Brandi D. Addison Davies, a journalist.

One passage in the homework assignment in particular raised eyebrows: "Fathers and other grown men may insist on following the rules into the evening," implying that the female students had to adhere to the guidelines even outside the classroom.

No wonder the homework was heavily criticized after being published on Facebook.

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According to media reports, the hotly debated assignment has been removed from the syllabus, and talks with the teacher have been initiated.

"This assignment has been reviewed, and despite its historical context, it does not reflect our district and community values," a senior school district official said.

Cover photo: Twitter Screenshot Brandi D. Addison Davis

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