A student from the University of North Georgia has raised concerns after discovering that a textbook for her course depicted Christianity in an alarming manner. The book, which was required reading for her International Public Relations class, controversially described Christianity as “a U.S.-based white supremacist group.”

Kelbie Murphy, a senior at the university, shared her dismay after spending nearly $100 on this particular textbook. In Chapter 8, she was taken aback by a passage that grouped Christianity alongside several different identity modifiers, concluding with the troubling description of it as a white supremacist group.

“The phrasing was particularly concerning,” Murphy explained in an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital. “It seemed to categorize Christians uniquely as white supremacists, unlike other mentioned groups.” She further highlighted her shock upon discovering the book had been in circulation since 2007 without any apparent scrutiny.

Murphy, who was compelled to use the textbook for her studies, expressed deep concerns about the lasting impact of such unchecked narratives in educational materials. “It’s unsettling to think this perspective has been circulating for almost two decades without challenge,” she remarked. “This situation underscores the urgent need for a reevaluation of American academia, particularly within our textbooks.”

“This has been shared for almost 20 years, and it was never questioned,” Murphy added. “I think American academia needs a definite reevaluation, especially in our textbooks, as we can see from my prime example.”

Murphy is a devout Christian who was recently baptized in March, and she was inspired by her grandfather, a Baptist pastor in North Carolina, to “never back down” when it comes to her faith. 

“I don’t want people who don’t know who Jesus is or who don’t know what Christianity is to take this and run with this and see Christians as a U.S.-based White supremacist group.”

The University of North Georgia said the textbook passage referred to “an extremist group that misuses Christian symbols to promote hate.” (Roberto Machado Noa/LightRocket via Getty Images)

The University of North Georgia did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment, but did issue a statement in September after Murphy posted a TikTok video about the textbook that went viral.

“Recently, questions have been raised about a passage in a course textbook. After fully reviewing the concern, we want to be clear: the reference in question was not describing Christians or Christianity,” the statement read. “The passage refers to an extremist group that misuses Christian symbols to promote hate.”

Murphy did note that her professor and a school official reached out to her after the viral video, offering their apologies for being offended. 

Murphy said she was baptized in March and is a devout Christian.  (Godong/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

The college senior is hoping to assist and possibly teach special needs students after graduation, and has focused her capstone project around the subject.

Murphy previously interned at a nonprofit organization that offers support and inclusive programs for people with disabilities in the Georgia region.

Preston Mizell is a writer with Fox News Digital covering breaking news. Story tips can be sent to Preston.Mizell@fox.com and on X @MizellPreston