A California State University San Marcos lecturer has been removed from the classroom after a viral video showed her ordering a student to leave during a heated exchange over a question about alcoholism rates among Native Americans.
The confrontation took place at California State University San Marcos and spread rapidly online after clips were posted to TikTok. According to the university, the incident began when a student asked about statistics involving alcoholism among Native Americans. The lecturer, identified as Persephone Lewis, can be seen in the video repeatedly telling the student to leave the classroom.
In the video, Lewis tells the student to "get the f--- out of my class" and later becomes emotional when students ask why the student was removed. She also tells the student that they are "out of my class" and that she is "dropping" them. Lewis has claimed that the viral clip was "heavily edited" and did not provide the full context of the exchange.
Cal State San Marcos confirmed to The College Fix that Lewis is no longer in the classroom. The university released a statement saying that it is focused on maintaining respectful learning environments that support inquiry and meaningful discussion, including difficult and sensitive subjects. The statement also said that the university is committed to providing a safe and welcoming space where all members of the community can learn, grow, and thrive.
Lewis is listed on the University of California San Diego's website as currently in her fifth year of a PhD program in the Education Studies Department. Her LinkedIn profile says she completed her doctorate in June 2024. Lewis is described on the UC San Diego website as a citizen of the Yomba Shoshone Tribe and has held a number of leadership positions in higher education and Native American education programs.
NTC Report coverage is based on reporting from the original publisher.
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