Criticism Prompts SDSU To Change Name Of Trump Impeachment Class

SAN DIEGO, CA -- San Diego State University announced Wednesday it will change the name of a course that focused on the 25th Amendment following criticism. The class was titled "Trump: Impeachment, Removal, or Conviction?" but will be changed to "Impeachment, Removal, and Special Counsel."

Taught by Professor John Joseph Cleary, the course description said students will focus on "the two constitutional grounds: impeachment and removal (25th Amendment), and the possible charges of the independent counsel, the powers of the president, a history of the creation of that office and the comparison of divine right and rule of law leadership, presidential impeachments, including Nixon's de facto impeachment.

Students will also learn about the practically limitless grounds for impeachment, presidential immunity from indictment, and grounds for impeachment, removal, or indictment covering: conflict of interests, foreign emoluments, climate change, racism, religious bias, improper influence, nepotism, and a host of crimes, including conspiracy, false statements, and obstruction of justice."

The $221 course sparked criticism from Trump supporters, including the the university's student Republicans. But, the course isn't aimed at undermining the Trump Administration, which is why the university chose to change the title.

"We would like to acknowledge those who have been offended by a course offered through the College of Extended Studies, an entity of San Diego State University," the university said in a statement. "In retrospect, we realize the title of the course, 'Trump: Impeachment, Removal, or Conviction?' is inconsistent with the course content described. As a result, the title will be amended to 'Impeachment, Removal, and Special Counsel' to accurately reflect this course offered now and for future offerings of this course."

"The course presents an overall framework of impeachment, removal, or criminal investigation of a president and rather than focusing on President Trump, reviews all 19 impeachments in U.S. history. The one-unit, weekend class is not a requirement for graduation and is not paid for by state funds," the statement said.

The course requires the textbook "The Case for Impeachment" by Allan Lichtman, a historian who predicted Trump would win the presidency, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported.

The course comes as the FBI and congressional leaders investigate claims that President Donald Trump or his campaign worked with Russia to undermine the U.S. election process.

--Photo courtesy of SDSU/Jeff Ernst