Drexel University officials were forced to respond to a controversy on Christmas after one of their professors called for “white genocide” on Twitter.

George Ciccariello-Maher, associate professor of political science, tweeted on Christmas Eve, “All I Want for Christmas is White Genocide.” Backlash at the comment, which he framed as a joke, soon prompted Drexel officials to intervene. The tweet was deleted and Mr. Ciccariello-Maher’s account was locked from further public viewing.

“While the University recognizes the right of its faculty to freely express their thoughts and opinions in public debate, Professor Ciccariello-Maher’s comments are utterly reprehensible, deeply disturbing, and do not in any way reflect the values of the University,” Drexel said in a statement Sunday afternoon, The Daily Caller reported. “The University is taking this situation very seriously. We contacted Ciccariello-Maher today to arrange a meeting to discuss this matter in detail.”

The Daily Caller noted that Mr. Ciccariello-Maher’s defense of his tweet as a joke — “white isn’t a race” — is belied by previous racial commentary.

“Yacub made a lot of white folks,” the professor tweeted Feb. 3, 2013, the website reported before his account was locked.

Nation of Islam theology claims white people were created as a “race of devils” by the scientist.

“Abolish the White Race” the professor also tweeted June 8, 2015, the website reported.

The professor’s comment comes just days after the University of Wisconsin-Madison made national headlines by defending its upcoming “Problem of Whiteness” course, and the website Buzzfeed published a story detailing the “plague” of white people.

“We believe this course, which is one of thousands offered at our university, will benefit students who are interested in developing a deeper understanding of race issues. The course is a challenge and response to racism of all kinds,” the UW–Madison’s Dec. 19 statement read in part. “All UW–Madison students are welcome in courses like this, which is not designed to offend individuals or single out an ethnic group.”

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