California college lecturer removed after erupting at student over question on Native Americans

A California college lecturer is “no longer in the classroom” after a viral video showed her ordering a student out of class during a heated exchange over his question about alcoholism rates among Native Americans, according to a comment posted by the university on TikTok on Sept. 18.

The confrontation unfolded at California State University San Marcos and spread rapidly online after clips posted to TikTok showed the lecturer repeatedly telling the student to leave the classroom.

The incident allegedly began after a student asked about statistics involving alcoholism among Native Americans, according to The College Fix, which first reported the episode.

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College students raise their hands during a class in a lecture hall. (Getty Images)

The video shows the lecturer, identified by The College Fix as Persephone Lewis, saying, “Get the f— out of my class,” in footage posted on TikTok on Sept. 17. She later became emotional after students asked why she removed the student.

“So get up and get the f— out of my class right now,” the lecturer said in one clip. In another, she said, “You did this s— on purpose, you are out of my class. I am dropping you.”

The lecturer told The College Fix that the viral clip was “heavily edited” and did not provide the full context of the exchange.

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A young man sits at a classroom desk, covering his face with his hands as he appears stressed and overwhelmed during class. (Canart7/iStock)

Cal State San Marcos later confirmed to The College Fix that the lecturer is “no longer in the classroom.”

Cal State San Marcos responded on Sept. 18 to a TikTok video of the incident posted on TikTok of the alleged incident, writing, “Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We are looking into this. CSUSM is focused on maintaining respectful learning environments that support inquiry and meaningful discussion, including difficult and sensitive subjects. CSUSM is committed to providing a safe and welcoming space where all members of our community can learn, grow and thrive.”

In a statement to Fox News Digital, Cal State University San Marcos said, “Cal State San Marcos is aware of the situation involving a lecturer and a student in a classroom. We continue to review the circumstances and context surrounding the incident.”

“The lecturer is no longer in the classroom,” the statement continued. “CSUSM works to maintain respectful learning environments that support inquiry and meaningful discussion. CSUSM is committed to providing a safe and welcoming space where all members of our community can learn, grow, and thrive.” 

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College students walking on campus. (iStock/Getty Images Plus)

Lewis is listed on UC San Diego’s website as “currently in her fifth year of a PhD program in the Education Studies Department at UC San Diego,” while her LinkedIn profile says she completed her doctorate in June 2024.

She is described on UC San Diego’s website as “a citizen of the Yomba Shoshone Tribe, located in the mountains of present-day Nevada,” who is “deeply committed to Indigenous activism, tribal sovereignty, and Nation-building, she is a community-based consultant, educator, relative, and Newe language learner. Over the past 20 years, she has held a number of leadership positions in higher education, Native American education programs, social and behavioral health services and community development efforts.”

On her LinkedIn profile, Lewis says she is a “citizen of the Yomba Shoshone Tribe and have been working with Tribal nations and non-profit corporations in a variety of capacities since 2001. Throughout my career, I have been passionate about a number of issues central to Indian Country and the larger Indigenous transnational context.”

“As a Shoshone woman living in diaspora, I also recognize the importance of a strong Indigenous nonprofit sector,” she continued. “Since receiving a degree in nonprofit leadership and management, I have worked with 501 c(3) corporations as well as tribal governments in a number of areas via my consulting business-Native Solutions Consulting.”

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Fox News Digital reached out to Lewis and UC San Diego for comment but did not immediately receive a response.