A University of California, Berkeley professor eliminated traditional final exams and replaced them with assignments requiring students to edit LGBTQ-focused Wikipedia pages. The decision has drawn national attention after reports revealed students were directed to create and expand content centered on queer and transgender identities. Critics argue the move reflects ideological activism rather than academic rigor.
The professor, who teaches courses in ethnic studies and related disciplines, removed standard final assessments such as exams or research papers. Instead, students were instructed to edit and create Wikipedia pages highlighting LGBTQ figures, themes, and subcultures, including topics described as “queer and trans people of color” and “queer vampires.” The work was graded and submitted as a substitute for finals.
According to reporting by Campus Reform, the syllabus framed the assignment as a way to influence public knowledge by reshaping online narratives. Students were encouraged to view Wikipedia as a tool for social change rather than a neutral reference platform. The course materials emphasized representation and identity-based outcomes over traditional academic evaluation.
The assignment was conducted in partnership with Wiki Education, a nonprofit organization that coordinates with universities to place students into Wikipedia editing programs. Wiki Education provides training, editing dashboards, and topic suggestions. While supporters argue this teaches research and writing skills, critics point out that Wikipedia itself discourages advocacy and requires neutral point-of-view standards that may conflict with activist-driven coursework.
Conservative scholars and education watchdogs argue the elimination of finals undermines academic standards. They note that final exams are designed to test mastery of course material, critical thinking, and independent analysis. Replacing them with collaborative online editing projects, critics say, shifts higher education away from scholarship and toward ideological production.
Concerns have also been raised about the long-term impact of these assignments. Wikipedia is one of the most visited websites in the world, meaning student work completed for a grade can shape public understanding for years. Critics argue that requiring students to contribute to ideologically framed topics risks embedding partisan narratives into widely used reference material.
Administrators at University of California, Berkeley have not publicly intervened in the course design. The university has a long history of progressive activism and has defended faculty discretion in curriculum development. However, the controversy highlights growing tension over the role of ideology in public universities funded by taxpayers.
