MADISON, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Madison is defending plans for a course on race relations after two state legislators criticized the class and warned it could affect the school’s funding in the next state budget.

Republican Rep. Dave Murphy says the course entitled “The Problem of Whiteness” is inappropriate and a waste of taxpayers’ money.

Murphy is chairman of the Assembly’s universities committee. He and Republican Sen. Steve Nass say that how the university handles the spring course could affect its request for new state funding.

The university in a statement said the course will benefit students who are interested in developing a deeper understanding of race issues. The Wisconsin State Journal says Murphy is also calling for the dismissal of the course instructor, assistant professor Damon Sajnani, over some tweets he said condoned violence against police.