A student from the University of North Georgia has raised concerns after discovering that a textbook for one of her classes described Christianity as “a U.S.-based white supremacist group.”
Kelbie Murphy, a senior at the university, reported spending nearly $100 on a textbook for her International Public Relations class. She was alarmed to find that Chapter 8 included a passage stating: “An internet search produces the following modifier for identity: corporate, sexual, digital, public, racial, national, brand, and even Christian (a U.S.-based white supremacist group).”
“The phrasing seemed to single out Christians as white supremacists, unlike the other groups listed,” Murphy shared in an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital. “What’s even more concerning is that this book has been around since 2007.”
Murphy, who is a committed Christian and was baptized in March, expressed her belief that the incident highlights a need for a thorough review of American academic materials. “This content has been circulated for nearly two decades without question,” she said. “It’s clear that American academia, especially our textbooks, requires a serious reevaluation, as evidenced by this situation.”
Encouraged by her grandfather, a Baptist pastor in North Carolina, Murphy is determined to stand firm in her beliefs. “He always taught me to never back down when it comes to my faith,” she added.
Murphy is a devout Christian who was recently baptized in March, and she was inspired by her grandfather, a Baptist pastor in North Carolina, to “never back down” when it comes to her faith.
“I don’t want people who don’t know who Jesus is or who don’t know what Christianity is to take this and run with this and see Christians as a U.S.-based White supremacist group.”
The University of North Georgia said the textbook passage referred to “an extremist group that misuses Christian symbols to promote hate.” (Roberto Machado Noa/LightRocket via Getty Images)
The University of North Georgia did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment, but did issue a statement in September after Murphy posted a TikTok video about the textbook that went viral.
“Recently, questions have been raised about a passage in a course textbook. After fully reviewing the concern, we want to be clear: the reference in question was not describing Christians or Christianity,” the statement read. “The passage refers to an extremist group that misuses Christian symbols to promote hate.”
Murphy did note that her professor and a school official reached out to her after the viral video, offering their apologies for being offended.
Murphy said she was baptized in March and is a devout Christian. (Godong/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
The college senior is hoping to assist and possibly teach special needs students after graduation, and has focused her capstone project around the subject.
Murphy previously interned at a nonprofit organization that offers support and inclusive programs for people with disabilities in the Georgia region.
Preston Mizell is a writer with Fox News Digital covering breaking news. Story tips can be sent to Preston.Mizell@fox.com and on X @MizellPreston
