A Texas school has come under fire after telling female students to walk behind men and never criticize them as a part of their assignment.
In a bizarre attempt to demonstrate the chivalry code from medieval times, Shallowater High School told female students to act in accordance with the “rules of chivalry” they provided them with as a part of their assignment.
Among other rules that the girls were expected to follow were several unreasonable requests such as the one telling students to dress in a way that pleases men and avoid showing intellectual superiority outside the classroom.
“The ladies will demonstrate to the school how the code of chivalry and standards set in the medieval concept of courtly love carries over into the modern day,” the controversial assignment that infuriated parents read.
“The ladies in the class will follow the Rules of Chivalry Day. All ladies deemed worthy of the honor by the gentlemen will receive 10 points for every signature at the end of the day. Fathers and other adult males may insist on following the rules into the evening and may report to the judges.”
Besides following the rules, the students were also urged to do their best to get signatures from male witnesses and secure points needed for the successful completion of the assignment.
The list of the rules the girls were given included the following points:
“Ladies must dress in a feminine manner to please the men (must be within school dress code).
“Ladies must address all men respectfully by title, with a lowered head and curtsy.
“Ladies must not complain or whine.
“Ladies must never criticize a male.
“Ladies must cook (preferably not buy) something for the gentlemen in their class. Sweet baked goods are preferable.
“Ladies must not initiate conversations with males (with the exception of male teachers).
“Ladies must walk behind men or walk daintily, as if their feet were bound.
“Outside the classroom, ladies cannot show intellectual superiority if it would offend the men around them.
“Ladies should clean up after the men.
“Ladies must obey any reasonable request of a male. If not sure if it is considered reasonable, ladies can check with their teachers.
“Ladies must bring in root beer, ginger ale or sparkling cider for the gentlemen in their class.”
A similar list of rules, as seen below, was also given to male students at the school.
After the news of the assignment spread, critics slammed the school for insisting on demonstrating old chivalry rules instead of just talking to students about them.
“Something like this is better to just be explained. Not demonstrated. WTH is wrong with people. Give examples of being chivalrous in the modern world, not require students to relive old times,” someone tweeted.
While many people lashed out at the school, some appeared to defend the assignment saying it was just a reminder of how people used to live in the past.
“What is wrong with this?! It’s explicitly to show the students what it was like back in medieval times — they’re not saying this is how we should live today. I’m certain the teacher would then have the kids compare and contrast to present day. It’s fun. Chill out cancel mob!” someone argued.
Following the backlash, the school decided to review and remove the assignment.
“This assignment has been reviewed, and despite its historical context, it does not reflect our district and community values. The matter has been addressed with the teacher, and the assignment was removed,” they stated.
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Replaced!