California College Lecturer Removed After Viral Video of Classroom Tirade

A lecturer at California State University San Marcos has been removed from the classroom following an incident where she repeatedly ordered a student to leave during a heated exchange about Native American alcoholism rates. The confrontation, which occurred in an ethnic studies class, was captured on video and widely shared online.

The exchange began when a student asked about statistics related to alcoholism among Native Americans. According to reports, the lecturer, identified by The College Fix as Persephone Lewis, then told the student, "Get the f--- out of my class." In another clip from the incident, she is heard saying, "You did this s--- on purpose, you are out of my class. I am dropping you."

Lewis, who is described on UC San Diego's website as a PhD candidate in the Education Studies Department and a citizen of the Yomba Shoshone Tribe, told The College Fix that the viral clip was "heavily edited" and did not present the full context of the exchange.

California State University San Marcos confirmed the lecturer's departure in a statement posted on TikTok on September 18 and provided to Fox News Digital. "The lecturer is no longer in the classroom," the university stated. "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."

University officials had previously responded to the viral video on TikTok, stating, "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."

Lewis's profile on UC San Diego's website notes her deep commitment to Indigenous activism, tribal sovereignty, and nation-building. Her LinkedIn profile states she has worked with Tribal nations and nonprofit corporations since 2001, focusing on issues central to Indian Country and the Indigenous transnational context.