”It all started three weeks ago. Peter Kowalski complained about a D he had got on his Math test. I tried to explain to him that while he is smart and probably understands the material, he is sloppy and makes stupid mistakes. He retorted that he was a victim of gender discrimination. Of course I refuted that. The idea was preposterous. Then Mary, a bright but not very pretty girl backed me up, sort of. She claimed that I only favored girls with pretty legs in short skirts. I ignored such a wild unfounded accusation. Fortunately the bell sounded at that point so I didn’t have to hand out any punishments.

The next day Peter came to school in a short skirt.”

“Yes, remember that. It caused quite a stir. Still, the skirt was within the dress code.”

“Yes, and he kept coming to school in that skirt. Not only that skirt but others equally short. Then he started to actually pay attention in class and check what he was doing. The next test he aced. This put me in a difficult situation.”

“Well, he DOES have a pair of spectacular legs, especially when wearing those thin black pantyhose. I heard that Coach Wilson asked him to try out for the cheerleading squad. As a joke of course. But of course I’m pleased to hear that he improved in class.”

“It not only put me in a difficult position. What’s worse it made me THINK. I started to go through the tests over last year and think about how I and my students behave in class. I was appalled that there WAS a bias. Mary wasn’t really right when she said I only favored girls with pretty legs and short skirts. I realized that I unconsciously thought that girls, all girls, just are better students than boys.”

“I’m afraid that you aren’t alone. I keep reminding all of you of the danger of assuming that just because boys usually are more lively doesn’t mean that they aren’t as good as the girls.”

“That’s not all. Mary wasn’t all wrong either. There was a definite bias, not that big but statistically significant that I favor girls with pretty legs in short skirts.

That’s why I have decided that I have to resign, effective immediately.”

“John, be sensible. You have identified the problem. I admit that it’s a big problem but you have acknowledged the problem. We can work from this. We can get you help. I can get Wetherspoon to double-check your grading. And besides if you leave immediately, just think of the bind you put ME in, without a teacher in the middle of the semester. You can’t do that to me, John!” My friend and Principal exclaimed.

“Sorry Bill. I have to. I just can’t take another class looking at those gorgeous legs. Those heavenly gorgeous legs - on a boy. In an indecently short skirt. I just can’t do it!”