Persephone Lewis is no longer teaching at California State University San Marcos following a viral video that captured her ordering a student to leave the classroom during a heated exchange about Native American alcoholism rates. The university confirmed the removal in a statement to Fox News Digital, noting that the incident is under review while emphasizing its commitment to maintaining respectful learning environments where difficult subjects can be discussed.
The confrontation, which first gained traction after clips were posted to TikTok on Sept. 17, allegedly began when a student asked about statistics regarding alcoholism among Native Americans. The College Fix, which first reported on the episode, identified Lewis as the lecturer involved. In the footage, Lewis is heard telling the student, "Get the f--- out of my class," and later stated, "You did this s--- on purpose, you are out of my class. I am dropping you."
Lewis told The College Fix that the viral clip was "heavily edited" and did not provide the full context of the exchange. Despite her claim that the video lacked context, Cal State San Marcos moved quickly to address the situation. In a response posted to TikTok on Sept. 18, the university stated it was looking into the matter and reaffirmed its focus on supporting inquiry and meaningful discussion, including on sensitive topics.
The university's official statement to Fox News Digital reiterated that it is aware of the situation involving the lecturer and a student and continues to review the circumstances and context surrounding the incident. The statement explicitly confirmed that Lewis is no longer in the classroom.
Professional records for Lewis present conflicting timelines regarding her academic credentials. She is listed on the UC San Diego website as currently being in her fifth year of a PhD program in the Education Studies Department. However, her LinkedIn profile states that she completed her doctorate in June 2024. Both profiles describe her as a citizen of the Yomba Shoshone Tribe, located in the mountains of present-day Nevada.
UC San Diego describes Lewis as deeply committed to Indigenous activism, tribal sovereignty, and nation-building, noting that she serves as a community-based consultant and educator. The institution highlights her leadership roles over the past 20 years in areas including higher education, Native American programs, behavioral health services, and community development efforts. On LinkedIn, Lewis describes her work with tribal nations and non-profit corporations since 2001, emphasizing her passion for issues central to Indian Country and the broader Indigenous transnational context.
Lewis also notes her role as a Shoshone woman living in diaspora and her recognition of the importance of a strong Indigenous nonprofit sector. She mentions holding a degree in nonprofit leadership and management and working with 501 c(3) corporations and tribal governments through her consulting business, Native Solutions Consulting. Fox News Digital reached out to both Lewis and UC San Diego for comment but did not immediately receive a response.