PORTLAND, Ore. — A Portland Community College (PCC) sociology instructor says he was dismissed from his position last week after making anti-Nazi and anti-Trump comments during class discussions.
Veteran Educator and Researcher
Randy Blazak, 61, is a longtime academic who has spent much of his career researching political extremism, white supremacy, and hate groups. He had been teaching part-time at PCC, instructing sociology courses both online and at the Rock Creek campus.
Blazak said his dismissal came after a dean raised concerns about comments he made in class discussions around authoritarianism and fascism. According to Blazak, his criticism of Nazis and of former President Donald Trump’s political movement played a role in the decision.
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Classroom Remarks Spark Dispute
The sociology instructor said his lessons often included discussions on extremist ideologies, racism, and political violence. While those subjects are central to his expertise, Blazak claims some students or administrators took issue with how he framed his critiques.
He argues that condemning Nazism and analyzing Trumpism within a broader sociological context should be considered legitimate academic discourse. “I’ve spent my life studying extremism,” Blazak said. “Discussing fascism and calling it out is part of teaching students about the dangers of hate.”
College Declines to Comment
Portland Community College has not publicly addressed Blazak’s specific allegations. Officials declined to comment on personnel matters but emphasized that the college expects faculty to foster open dialogue while maintaining professional standards in the classroom.
It remains unclear whether Blazak’s dismissal was tied solely to his remarks or whether other factors influenced the decision.
Free Speech and Academic Freedom Questions
The case has reignited debate about academic freedom, especially in politically charged classrooms. Supporters argue that Blazak’s dismissal undermines instructors’ ability to challenge extremist ideologies, while critics contend educators must be careful not to cross into partisan commentary.
Blazak said he believes his termination reflects broader political pressures facing educators nationwide. “This isn’t just about me,” he noted. “It’s about whether faculty can do their jobs — to educate about extremism — without fear of reprisal.”
Broader Context
Colleges across the country have faced disputes in recent years over professors’ remarks on politics, race, and social movements. Advocates for academic freedom say controversial ideas must be part of higher education, while some administrators have faced pressure from students, parents, or outside groups to curb politically sensitive speech.
For Blazak, who has written extensively on hate groups and served as an expert on extremism for law enforcement and community groups, the dismissal marks a sharp turn in a decades-long academic career.
Next Steps
Blazak has not announced whether he plans to contest his firing but said he is considering his options. He expressed disappointment at how the situation unfolded but reaffirmed his commitment to speaking out against extremism.
“This is about more than just a job,” he said. “It’s about standing up to hate — and making sure students understand the real dangers of fascism in our society.”
