In a statement Tuesday, UW-Madison responded to the growing controversy by defending the course, stating it is important for deeper understanding of race issues and not intended to isolate a particular ethnic group.
The course’s name refers to the challenge of understanding white identity and non-white identity across the globe, according to the statement. University officials emphasized that the course is voluntary.
“The course is a challenge and response to racism of all kinds,” university officials said. “There is a long academic tradition at UW-Madison and in higher education for allowing individual faculty freedom to design courses reflecting topics that they and their department consider important.”
In his press release, Murphy attached tweets from Sajnani, including one where Sajnani said he was watching CNN and enjoying listening to the song “Officer Down.” Murphy described the tweets as vile and suggested Sajnani approved of the July shootings of police in Dallas.