UCSC professor fears backlash over Trump class

A University of California Santa Cruz professor tells KION he is afraid of backlash all because he is teaching a class about President Donald Trump.

The professor, who did not want to speak on-camera, says he is concerned he and his students could be the target of harassment or worse.

The class is called Social Justice, Institutions and Power: The Origins of Trumpism. A poster advertising the class says it explores the rise of Donald Trump within the context of power structures like capitalism, white supremacy, Islamophobia and patriarchy.

The professor says his class provides students a safe place to express their feelings about Trump. He says given the tense political climate, it is better to keep on the down low for now.

KION spoke with other UCSC students about what they think of the fears.

“I think everyone should have the right to be educated about the issues,” said Isaiah McCole, a senior. “I mean, that’s just going to improve people’s decision making skills for future elections or just life decisions. So it’s disappointing to hear that there’s rumors of backlash.”

“If there is any backlash for the students who are taking the class or the professor, I’ll say it is to be expected,” said Joanna Beltran Giron, a senior. “It is to be expected, and right on for the people who are actively choosing to take this class.”

A UCSC spokesperson says student safety is their highest priority. They also try and teach students some principles of community to encourage an open and caring campus.

The Origins of Trumpism class meets twice a week. This semester, there are 17 students enrolled. Similar courses like this one have been offered to students at colleges like Harvard University.