In a recent podcast interview, former presidential hopeful and esteemed Harvard professor Cornel West took aim at California Governor Gavin Newsom for his controversial comments about SAT scores during an engagement in Atlanta, a city with a predominantly Black population. West’s critique has resonated widely, sparking discussions on social media about the implications of Newsom’s words.

West expressed his disapproval on his X account, emphasizing the underlying issues in Newsom’s statement. “When he thinks of Black people, he thinks of lower SATs,” West remarked. “That mindset sits at the core of white supremacy — the belief that Black people are less beautiful, less moral, less intelligent! Don’t play with us like that @CAgovernor.”

The controversy arose during a conversation between Newsom and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, where Newsom attempted to connect with the audience by referencing his own SAT score. “I’m not trying to impress you, I’m just trying to impress upon you, ‘I’m like you. I’m not better than you.’ I’m a 960 SAT guy,” Newsom explained, in an effort to show relatability and humility.

Newsom’s remarks, which were intended to promote his upcoming memoir “Young Man in a Hurry,” have been met with accusations of racism. Critics argue that his approach inadvertently reinforced stereotypes rather than dismantling them.

“I’m not trying to impress you, I’m just trying to impress upon you, ‘I’m like you. I’m not better than you.’ I’m a 960 SAT guy,” Newsom told the mayor.

Newsom then spoke about his struggle with dyslexia and other topics covered in his memoir.

“And I’m not trying to offend anyone,” the governor continued. “I’m not trying to act all there if you got 940 … You’ve never seen me read a speech because I cannot read a speech.”

Newsom has defended his remarks, unleashing an expletive-filled rant at Fox News commentator Sean Hannity, who posted on X: “@GavinNewsom Thinks a 960 SAT Makes Him ‘Like’ Black Americans. Let That Sink In.”

“You didn’t give a s–t about the President of the United States of America posting an ape video of President Obama or calling African nations s–tholes — but you’re going to call me racist for talking about my lifelong struggle with dyslexia?” Newsom responded. “Spare me your fake f–king outrage, Sean.”

His office also doubled down on defending the comments.

“First MAGA mocked his dyslexia and now they’re calling him racist for talking about his low SAT scores,” said spokesperson Izzy Gordon. “The governor has said this publicly for years — including with [the late conservative commentator] Charlie Kirk and dozens of other audiences.”

That hasn’t stopped politicians and even celebrities from piling on the governor, from Sen. Tim Scott to rapper Nicki Minaj, who referred to Newsom as “Newscum,” adding that “he does not want to do anything credible with his time or life.”

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