SUNY Professor's 'Female Or Shemale' Quiz Prompts University Investigation

GENESEO, NY — A university in New York is investigating after a sociology professor gave his students a quiz — apparently meant to educate them about gender, sexuality and sexual identity — asking students to identify headshots on a projector as either "female or shemale."

Students at the State University of New York at Geneseo were outraged at the subject matter and the professor apparently failed to explain to students just what the point of the quiz was. One student who spoke to BuzzFeed news said that she and other students were disturbed by the quiz, which essentially asked students to identify whether someone was biologically born a woman or was a trans woman.

"He never said what the point of the quiz was during the class, but when I addressed him afterward he said it was partly for humor and partly to discuss sexual dimorphism," Jillian Sternberg, a sophomore at the university, told BuzzFeed News. The news outlet reported that the lesson didn't include any discussion about sexual dimorphism.

Now, a petition on the SUNY Geneseo website is seeking Professor David Sorbello's dismissal. A picture of the quiz was also circulated widely over the internet.

University officials issued a statement saying they are taking the matter "very seriously and are gathering the facts to determine if and what action is warranted."

Below is the university's full statement:

A situation that took place in a sociology classroom earlier this week has been brought to my attention and I felt the need to communicate to you about it, particularly as it pertains to our value of inclusivity.

A professor is reported to have presented materials and made comments about which some students have expressed concern. We are taking the matter very seriously and are gathering the facts to determine if and what action is warranted.

The classroom is an environment in which students and faculty can and should discuss challenging topics and ideas, which makes it all the more important that we gather and fully review the facts in this case.

As we review this situation, let me say unequivocally that SUNY Geneseo has a steadfast and uncompromising commitment to diversity and inclusivity. We work diligently to sustain an inviting and supportive environment for people of all gender identities, gender expressions, sexual orientations, races, religions and other identities.

I use this opportunity to remind you that our Interim Chief Diversity Officer robbie routenberg (capitalization style intentional) is available as a resource to the campus community. I would also encourage any students who have support needs to contact Lenny Sancilio, dean of students, and Dillon Federici, coordinator of LGBTQ Programs and Services.

Sincerely,

Denise A. Battles

In an update posted Monday, officials reassured students that the matter has their full attention.

"To those who have responded or contacted the College, please know we hear your concerns," an update posted on the university Facebook page said. "This matter has our full attention. The College has a legal and ethical obligation to fully investigate this situation before commenting further or taking any action."

Sternberg told BuzzFeed that she approached Sorbello after class, along with another student, and while he apologized that the students didn't find it funny, he said he believed that the only way he could address the top was through humor.

Photo via Pixabay