University of Wisconsin-Madison Associate Dean Calls Trump a Racist

The associate dean at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has openly labeled former President Donald Trump as a racist and has also co-authored a paper that claims the American education system—and even mathematics—is “inherently violent” toward Black students.

Percival Matthews, who is the associate dean in the Dean’s Office and teaches human development, expressed his views in various Facebook posts and academic articles that have come to light.

In a Facebook post from January 2018, Matthews questioned what one should do when someone with a history of racist actions holds significant power. He remarked, “What are you thinking? This makes you wonder what you’re supposed to do when you get someone with a history of racist initiatives in the ultimate position of power, someone who makes veiled racist statements that a sizable portion of the population continues to defend.”

Referring to Malcolm X, he noted that many people see him as a violent figure. However, he urged readers to reconsider, recommending Malcolm X’s speech, “The Ballot or the Bullet,” stating that the frustrations portrayed there stem from a clear denial of an obvious truth.

Matthews, appointed as a “special advisor for access and community” earlier this year, highlighted the need to address issues of “violence” within education. This role aims to further the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s mission of fostering an inclusive atmosphere for students and staff from diverse backgrounds.

In a paper he co-authored with Pooja Sidney from the University of Kentucky, Matthews argued systemic inequalities in education prevent Black students, particularly in advanced math classes, from succeeding. The authors stated, “This exclusionary discourse continues into the upper grades, and Black children are routinely excluded from advanced mathematics courses despite meeting achievement standards.”

The document goes further, posing a question about why Black scholars struggle to enhance the system when it’s clear that it is fundamentally violent against Black children, even those performing well academically.

In a previous Facebook post from 2020, Matthews discussed the notion of violence in light of George Floyd’s death, suggesting, “The use of lawful violence can be the use of lawful violence. There are many ways to read that text.”

Another post posed the question, “Are people surprised that Minneapolis is burning?”

John Lucas, assistant vice chancellor for public affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, stated, “UW-Madison supports freedom of expression and does not comment on the personal social media accounts of students or faculty.” Meanwhile, the University of Kentucky affirmed its commitment to academic freedom and declined to comment on faculty activities that don’t align with the university’s views.

Fox News Digital has reached out to both Matthews and Sidney for additional comments.