On Friday (20 October), a tweet went viral of a quiz allegedly given to students at State University of New York College at Geneseo.
The professor, David Sorbello, presented the quiz in an introductory sociology class. In it, he reportedly asked students to identify trans women in a series of photos. He called the quiz: ‘Female or Shemale’.
RT if you think the sociology department @SUNYGeneseo needs to rethink its approach to teaching about trans issues pic.twitter.com/FwX0emHop0
— Jasmine Cui (@notamathlete) October 20, 2017
When student Jillian Sternberg approached him after class to discuss the quiz, Sorbello said it was ‘partly for humor and partly to discuss sexual dimorphism’.
However, Sternberg said the class didn’t include any discussion about sexual dimorphism. This is a condition where two sexes of the same species exhibit physical differences beyond their sex organs.
Along with the quiz, Sorbello also allegedly made disturbing comments to his students, including: ‘Be careful not to get too drunk or you’ll take the wrong one home.’
Professor and university responds
Beyond confronting Sorbello, students also took to social media to criticize what happened in the class.
So, when is Sorbello going to be fired? He’s an adjunct too, so he should have been fired when the situation was brought to light.
— that annoying libra (@eunowhoibe) October 23, 2017
Twitter user Jasmine Cui also tweeted a screencap of an email Sorbello allegedly sent to his students after the class.
In the email, he tells students that ‘lecture slides will no longer be available for taking pictures after class’. He also reinforces a zero tolerance policy on the use of electronic devices in class.
update: after students confronted Sorbello, he sent out an email banning the use of electronics in class. HE KNOWS HE'S IN THE WRONG. (3) pic.twitter.com/61FWJxUErr
— Jasmine Cui (@notamathlete) October 20, 2017
Many are critiquing the response for missing the point and not accepting responsibility.
Furthermore, university president Denise A. Battles released a statement about the situation.
‘We are taking the matter very seriously and are gathering the facts to determine if and what action is warranted,’ Battles wrote about the university’s response.
It continued: ‘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.’
The statement ends encouraging students to reach out to the dean of students, Lenny Sancilio, and coordinator of LGBTQ Programs and Services, Dillon Federici.