Condoleezza + Watermelon = Trouble

APRIL 13--To prepare for an upcoming exam, students at a Washington state college last month were given a sample test that contained an algebra problem involving someone named 'Condoleezza,' watermelons, and a federal building. The practice test was distributed to students in an intermediate algebra class at Bellevue Community College, and has triggered an uproar at the school. In a meeting yesterday, Bellevue President Jean Floten apologized to students for the act of 'institutional racism' and pledged that the school would step up efforts to improve racial sensitivity. A copy of the entire test--with the watermelon problem at question 25--can be found below. The college has declined to identify which teacher created the test, but Floten said the instructor has apologized and is seeking sensitivity training. The practice test was given to students as an actual final exam in 2004, though nobody apparently objected at the time. (4 pages)