A class called "The Problem of Whiteness" has received criticisms from Republicans in Wisconsin. Leaders are calling for its removal, but the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) defends its choice to include this in the curriculum. It claimed that there has never been an intention to offend anyone in its pursuit to learning.
"The Problem of Whiteness" class at the UW-Madison is part of the African Cultural Studies program under Professor Damon Sajnani of the College of Letters and Science. "In this class, we will ask what an ethical white identity entails, what it means to be #woke, and consider the journal Race Traitor's motto, 'Treason to whiteness is loyalty to humanity,'" the course description states, CNN reports.
But Republicans are calling out the school because the class could potentially uphold the notion of racism among white people. Wisconsin Rep. Dave Murphy was vocal in his criticisms for "The Problem of Whiteness."
As such, he wants UW-Madison to close the class. As a state university, the congressman is also threatening to withhold its funding if the school decides to side with its teacher.
"I don't know how the university can expect the taxpayers to stand with UW-Madison," Murphy said. He has gotten the support of Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke, who expressed his stand on Twitter.
This is racism against white people. ALL racism is wrong. This garbage is being taught at a state funded school. https://t.co/f4Jo02xROP
— David A. Clarke, Jr. (@SheriffClarke) December 21, 2016
But UW-Madison has already released a statement saying that "The Problem of Whiteness" will remain in the curriculum. "We believe this course, which is one of thousands offered at our university, will benefit students who are interested in developing a deeper understanding of race issues," the statement read, as published in the school's official site.
UW-Madison also implied that the class, while open to all students, is not mandatory. It also reiterated that the "The Problem of Whiteness" was developed and designed without the idea that it should be offensive to a certain group. Learn more about the issue in the video below.
