UNC Admissions Process Update
In June 2023, the Supreme Court ruled that the University of North Carolina’s race-based admissions policies violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. Following this decision, and in response to the Trump administration’s tightening regulations on federally funded educational institutions, the UNC system has initiated several changes to dismantle existing policies from that administration.
For instance, in May 2024, the UNC System Governor’s Committee voted to eliminate the requirement for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies across all public universities in North Carolina. Additionally, the university system has announced the termination of DEI-related positions, set to take effect in September. Further steps are being taken to realign with the Trump administration’s directives by removing any elements deemed contrary to those mandates.
Recently, the dean of UNC Asheville disclosed to undercover reporters that DEI initiatives are still present on campus, despite claims of compliance. Megan Pugh, a co-author of “The Black Professional Guide to College Student Affairs,” mentioned that she left her position shortly thereafter.
“So we changed names, reorganized them, reorganized them, and re-adjusted them.”
During an interaction captured on video, the undercover journalist remarked to Pugh about the media’s portrayal of the situation, expressing relief that they were still engaged in their work. Pugh responded, “I mean, you’re still doing it anyway, but you know… you have to keep it quiet. I love breaking the rules.”
Pugh’s LinkedIn bio indicates that she emphasizes the teachings of various BIPOC thought leaders in her professional practices, and she implied that the absence of DEI offices would be “easily sustainable.” When asked if the institution supported her activities, Pugh confirmed affirmatively.
Although Pugh hasn’t participated in implicit bias training since the spring, she hopes to integrate some form of relevant training in the future.
In a recent undercover investigation, Janique Sanders, the Assistant Director of Leadership and Community Engagement at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, also indicated that DEI activities remain alive and well. In the footage, when asked if “equity work is still ongoing,” Sanders remarked that they had simply changed the terminology and organization of these initiatives.
“I think the guise we use in some way is like leadership. To lead a diverse group of people, you need to know about a diverse group of people,” Sanders explained. She added, “If you’re looking for a DEI position outwardly, it won’t happen,” suggesting there are, however, “secret jobs” for those interested.
“It’s time to clean the house at the university level.”
Following these revelations, both Sanders and Pugh were dismissed from their roles. Brian Hart, a spokesperson for UNC Asheville, stated they are aware of the videos in which employees appear to indicate non-compliance with UNC system policies. He emphasized that such statements do not reflect the university’s practices and reiterated their commitment to adhering to all federal and state laws.
Following a brief review, it was confirmed that Pugh’s affiliation with the university had ended. Republican Representative Virginia Fox commented that while the UNC system is making efforts to eliminate DEI initiatives, the administration at UNC Asheville seems to be resistant to change. She criticized Pugh as exemplifying how divisive ideologies have infiltrated higher education.
Attempts to maintain DEI initiatives on campuses are not merely problematic due to bans imposed by the UNC system but are, in fact, seen as divisive and counterproductive overall. A study released in November by the Network Contacione Research Institute and Rutgers University found that efforts aimed at combating bias could inadvertently foster hostility and support for punitive behaviors linked to racial biases.
