Exclusive: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has placed professors affiliated with both left and right gun clubs on administrative leave.
The university notified Dr. Dwayne Dixon, a professor specializing in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, that he is on leave amid concerns over his allegedly politically motivated violent advocacy. A statement from the Deputy Prime Minister for Marketing and Communications shared this update with Fox News on Monday. It mentioned that this leave allows for a thorough investigation to maintain the integrity of the process.
Depending on the investigation’s findings, the actions taken might range from disciplinary measures to possible termination, all in accordance with the university’s rules on academic tenure, it noted.
The duration of Dr. Dixon’s leave is, at present, unspecified, as it largely depends on how long the investigation takes. The university reaffirmed its commitment to fostering respectful discourse and open dialogue in support of free speech, emphasizing that there is no tolerance for any form of violence within the UNC community.
Dixon, linked to Redneck Revolt’s Silver Valley Chapter, is described as having a complex history involving various protests. In the past, he participated in a 2017 rally in Durham, North Carolina, that opposed the KKK; however, the KKK did not actually attend. Dixon faced accusations of carrying weapons during public demonstrations, yet the charges were eventually dropped. He was also present at the controversial 2017 Neo-Nazi rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, which ended tragically when a driver struck a crowd, resulting in the death of Heather Heyer.
This year, his group made headlines for distributing flyers at Georgetown University that appeared to celebrate politically charged violence, raising eyebrows and concerns among different political circles.
In 2018, Dixon was involved in an incident related to the removal of a Confederate statue known as Silent Sam on campus, resulting in a simple assault charge that was ultimately denied.
The university is facing pressure as members of the Georgetown College GOP call for a thorough investigation into the flyers, while also noting the contentious presence of politically charged gun clubs within their community. It continues to grapple with a broader discussion about political violence and activism.
