Watch CBS News

Santorum Attacks CA Education System

DAVIS (CBS13) - U.C. Davis Student Greg Loh is outraged.

"It's preposterous. I specifically came to UC Davis because of the strong history program here," said Loh.

Step into a history class on the UC Davis campus and most students can highlight their award-winning professors and American history courses.

"One of my professors and mentors is Allen Taylor, a Pulitzer Prize winner, who basically wrote the textbook for US History," said student Rene Macleay.

This is why some students are so surprised to hear Rick Santorum say this:

"I think it's seven or eight of them, of the California system of universities, don't even teach an American history course."

"Eight of our faculty won distinguished teaching awards. Four of those are American history, clearly preposterous to say we don't teach American history," said David Biale, Chairman of the History Department.

Biale says one thousand students are enrolled in American History this quarter. It's not only offered, but required for all UC students.

"We're in the business of educating citizens of California, us and the world," said Biale.

But even Baile admits, despite his distinguished staff, republican followers may still believe Santorum's attack against Californians' education regardless of its accuracy. Now, Baile wonders if politicians are trying to rewrite history to sway voters.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.