Teacher slammed over 'offensive' exam question

A university lecturer has apologised for including a controversial question on a health sciences take-home exam given to students.

The exam at California State University asked students to rank ethnic groups as to how prone they were to vandalism.

“Which of the following gangs generally do the least graffiti?” the question asked.

Students were meant to choose from one of four ethnic groups: African American, Asian, Hispanic or Caucasian.

California State student Alex Rambo drew attention to the problematic question on Twitter, calling it “idiocy”.

Commenters soon responded with outrage and disbelief.

“This is not okay,” one user bluntly wrote.

The lecturer, Matt Fischer, explained that the question was included because the health sciences class had discussed the topics of gangs and graffiti, US television station NBC4 reported.

However Rambo disputes Mr Fischer’s claims.

“I don’t remember going over anything about gangs in class,” Rambo told the Long Beach Press-Telegram.

“The question was pretty offensive.”

“I’m not calling him a racist, but I do think that the question was definitely insensitive,” he added in a separate interview with NBC 4.

Mr Fischer was surprised at the backlash the question has received and insists that no offence was intended, the Press Telegram reported.

“Wasn’t meant to be racist in the least,” he told the newspaper.

“I’m sorry they were so offended by it.”

The question will reportedly be removed from future exams.

The university, meanwhile, is launching an investigation into the matter.

“The college takes situations like this very seriously as we are deeply committed to creating learning environments in which all students thrive and succeed,” Monica Lounsbery, dean of the College of Health and Human Services, told the Press-Telegram.

“Once we have completed the investigation, we will evaluate all of the information and determine an appropriate course of action.”