(DailyAnswer.org) – Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, has stirred debate with a course titled “White Supremacy in the Age of Trump”. This four-credit class has been available since 2019 and is also open to students from nearby colleges through the Five College Consortium. As described in the syllabus, the course explores white supremacy’s history and its connection to politics, with a focus on the Trump era.
According to the course description, students examine the ideology and tactics of the white supremacist movement, its ties to mainstream politics, and ways to counter it through human rights efforts. Along the way, they develop analytical and research skills while engaging with diverse cultural perspectives. Assignments include questions like, “How did the ideology of white supremacy help elect Donald Trump?” and “Why is liberal democracy threatened by white supremacy?”
The course is taught by Loretta J. Ross, a visiting associate professor and longtime social justice activist. Ross is known for her work in women’s rights and reproductive justice, having helped coin the term “reproductive justice.” She has also drawn connections between Trump’s 2016 victory and what she describes as backlash to civil rights advancements. In a 2017 blog post, she argued that Trump’s rise reflected a decades-long effort by some groups to reclaim power by stoking cultural divides over issues like LGBTQ rights, abortion, and immigration.
Some have criticized the course, arguing it promotes a narrow ideological view. Others, however, see it as an important opportunity to address pressing social issues. The college, when asked about the class, pointed to its Statement on Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression, emphasizing that faculty have the liberty to design courses and explore topics without interference. As described in one report, the course explores how white supremacy intersects with broader political dynamics in the Trump era.
While this course has drawn attention for its controversial subject matter, Smith College maintains that it is part of a broader commitment to fostering critical thinking and open discussion. The class reflects the institution’s broader approach to academic exploration, encouraging students to critically engage with complex sociopolitical issues. Whether it sparks outrage or applause, it underscores the growing role of academia in navigating today’s political and cultural landscape.
For now, the debate surrounding such courses continues, reflecting the deep divides in how Americans view race, politics, and education.
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