Kelbie Murphy, a senior at the University of North Georgia, recently stirred the pot on social media by sharing footage that spotlighted a curious textbook utilized in her course, which labeled Christianity as a ‘U.S.-based white supremacist group.’
In her video, Murphy recounted, “I’m enrolled in International Public Relations. This week, I was instructed to read chapter eight from ‘International Public Relations: Negotiating Culture, Identity and Power.’ I just dived into it about five minutes ago, and I’m honestly in shock.”
“Chapter eight is titled, ‘Contested Identities, Shifting Publics in a Globalized World.’”
“Allow me to read a striking excerpt, which I believe is either the second or third sentence.”
“Identity may be one of the most contentious words of the new millennium. An Internet search yields modifiers for identity: corporate, sexual, digital, public, racial, national, brand, and even Christian (a U.S.-based white supremacist group). The search also includes identity in the context of theft, management, and theory.”
“I’m genuinely upset.”
Watch:
@kelbiemurphy334 How can we legally allow this to be published? ♬ original sound – kelbiemurphy334__
In response to critics who claimed she was misrepresenting the text, Murphy issued a follow-up video, clarifying her stance.
@kelbiemurphy334 I’m not great at these talking videos, but I tried! Thanks to everyone for being so supportive! ♬ original sound – kelbiemurphy334__
In an exclusive conversation with Fox News Digital, Murphy expressed her frustration: “The phrasing presented several marginalized groups, but only singled out Christians as White supremacists. What’s even more alarming is that this book was published in 2007.”
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Fox News Digital caught up with University of North Georgia student Kelbi Murphy after her assigned textbook controversially labeled Christianity as a “U.S.-based white supremacist group.” pic.twitter.com/GCJUC83wyI
— Preston Mizell (@MizellPreston) October 16, 2025
“This passage has been circulated for almost 20 years without question,” Murphy noted. “I believe American academia demands a thorough reevaluation, particularly concerning our textbooks, as exemplified by this controversy.”
“My concern is that those unfamiliar with Christ or Christianity might take this and erroneously label Christians as part of a U.S.-based White supremacist faction.”
Murphy further shared that both her professor and a university official reached out post-viral fame with apologies for any offense caused.
Back in September, following her video’s virality, the university issued a statement addressing the uproar surrounding the textbook: “Recently, inquiries arose concerning a passage in a course textbook.”
“Upon thorough review of the matter, we want to clarify: the disputed reference was not aimed at Christians or Christianity. The passage discusses an extremist group that misappropriates Christian symbols to promote hatred.”
