UNC AFSA & UNC News

Religious speakers at UNC are engaging in constitutionally protected speech on campus. While such speech may be controversial or uncomfortable for some students, the First Amendment requires UNC to remain viewpoint-neutral and allow this form of expression and religious freedom. Such speech sparks debate among the student body regarding religion and grants students exposure to a diverse array of religious beliefs.

UNC’s AFSA chapter continues to strengthen alumni engagement on campus by hosting discussions and advocating policy that champions free speech, academic freedom, and viewpoint diversity. The group connects alumni with students and faculty to encourage open dialogue and contributes to a broader national trend of alumni involvement in higher education.

An anonymous Daily Tar Heel survey of UNC faculty found many instructors worry about expressing their personal views. The survey also found that self-censorship was common and dissatisfaction was high, despite a low turnover rate. The data highlights broader concerns about academic freedom and free expression across higher education.

Recent changes in UNC System policy have muddled the balance of authority over high-level campus hires. Traditionally, Boards of Trustees approved senior academic and administrative appointments, but revisions now let the chancellor seek approval directly from the system president, bypassing oversight. This shift of governance weakens accountability across North Carolina’s public universities.

The UNC System’s new policy requiring syllabi to be public records is soon to take effect. The documents will be available to the general public beginning January 15th. Supporters of the move argue it will increase transparency in higher education. Detractors cite potential risks to academic freedom. Several public records requests have already been lodged.

In a community-wide communication, UNC reiterates that as a public university, it fully embraces the First Amendment and state free speech laws. This means that the University cannot bar speakers simply because their views are unpopular or offensive. The update underscores that protecting free speech is central to UNC’s mission and gives students resources to uphold their rights.

UNC is set to close all six of its area research study centers in 2026. These include the Center for European Studies, African Studies Center, Carolina Asia Center, Center for Middle East and Islamic Studies, Institute for the Study of the Americas, and the Center for Slavic, Eurasian and East European Studies. This is part of broader cuts amid a decrease in state and federal funding. The move has drawn concern from some faculty surrounding a loss of research opportunities.

The UNC System is moving to require all syllabi to be treated as public records, beginning in the upcoming fall semester. Proponents of the idea assert the decision increases transparency throughout the UNC System and allows students to review course syllabuses before registration. Opponents, including some faculty, have criticized the potential policy as an attack on intellectual property.

Martin Center President Jenna Robinson commends UNC System President Peter Hans’ decision to require universities to publish academic calendars, grading policies, and course syllabi. Robsinson argues the move will enhance the public’s trust in North Carolina public universities and grant students clearer academic expectations.

A North Carolina Superior Court judge dismissed two claims in former UNC Provost Chris Clemens’ lawsuit against the university over alleged open meetings and public records violations. The dismissed claims involved alleged destruction of public records and conducting an unlawful electronic meeting without notice. Other portions of Clemens’ lawsuit, however, will continue to be litigated. The suit centers on transparency issues regarding University officials.

Incoming UNC Provost Magnus Egerstedt discusses his priorities for the University for when he takes office this coming March. He addressed the impacts of artificial intelligence in education, supporting engineering and interdisciplinary research, and strengthening faculty tenure processes. He emphasized fostering innovation while balancing traditional academic values, such as merit.

UNC is increasing efforts to establish itself as a premier “AI University,” with new leadership roles and the creation of a new school centered around the technology. Administrators say AI is unavoidable, and these moves are necessary to keep UNC competitive. Many faculty, however, are uneasy about the push to modernize the university, citing the risk to hurt learning, creativity, and academic integrity.

An analysis of campus protests by the Daily Tar Heel shows that the vast majority of demonstrations were in opposition to federal actions. These actions ranged from a rejection of the Trump administration’s higher education compact to protests against immigration enforcements. Other protests on campus were in response to decisions made by UNC administration. The vast majority of protests were peaceful and without major disruption to University operations.

Over the course of the year, UNC-Chapel Hill has tested its ability to maintain free speech on campus. The temporary suspension of a faculty member, controversy surrounding the removal of an anti-Israel mural, and federal actions that risk infringing on academic freedom were important issues during the past calendar year. 

The UNC School of Civic Life and Leadership is presenting a program at the George Watts Alumni Center for Reviving Civil Discourse on Campus.
The event will feature the premiere of a short film on the Courageous Conversations: Israel and Palestine on Campus course, followed by Q&A with some of the students. There will also be a conversation with Bret Stephens (The New York Times) and Elizabeth Bruenig (The Atlantic). Chancellor Roberts will also offer opening remarks.

Today, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill announced the appointment of Magnus Egerstedt as Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost, effective March 2, 2026. Egerstedt, currently Dean of Engineering in The Henry Samueli School of Engineering and a Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of California, Irvine, will succeed Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost James W. Dean Jr., who has been serving in an interim role since May 2025.

For the first time in nine years, the UNC Board of Governors is allowing public universities to increase tuition for in-state students. UNC-Chapel Hill's Board of Trustees have decided they do not want to take that offer.

Chancellor Lee Roberts has signaled that UNC-Chapel Hill will not sign onto the Trump administration’s compact for universities in order to receive more favorable federal funding. The proposed agreement by the federal government would require universities to comply with a range of educational policy objectives. Roberts argued UNC was already complying with many aspects of the compact, but some features were “difficult or impossible” to implement.

Legal Director of the ACLU of North Carolina Kristi Graunke argues that UNC leadership needs to improve its protections for freedom of speech for faculty and students. Graunke argues that pressures from the General Assembly and federal government have gone too far. She also mentions the University’s investigation into Professor Dwayne Dixon and is critical of UNC’s treatment of anti-Israel protesters.

A group of professors from across the University of North Carolina system want officials to adopt a definition of “academic freedom.” While the term’s definition may vary depending on the organization, it largely expresses that faculty are free to research and teach subjects without reasonable interference. Academic freedom has become a hot button issue because of new local and national influences on the University.

The Manhattan Institute has established a new university ranking system which takes into account free speech climate, ideological balance, curricular rigor, and student outcomes. With these metrics, the University of North Carolina takes the number three rank, behind the University of Florida and the University of Texas. More traditionally prestigious institutions, such as Ivy League Universities, score poorly.

The Campus Y hosted professors Dwayne Dixon and Hồng-Ân Trương to discuss academic freedom at the University of North Carolina. Both academics recently came under scrutiny by University: Dwayne for his alleged association with an armed leftist militant group and Trương for organizing the creation of a mural which was criticized as antisemitic. The professors connected their experiences to wider national trends within academia.

Professor Emeritus Lloyd Kramer outlines how the struggle for academic freedom is a common occurrence throughout the history of the University of North Carolina. From early faculty dismissals to political interference, Kramer warns of the dangers of infringing upon academic freedom not just at the local level, but nationally.

Former UNC Provost Chris Clemens had a wide-ranging discussion with progressive student group TransparUNCy about free speech in higher education. Clemens defended his record on the First Amendment during his tenure, which included enacting new policies at the Trustee level. He encouraged current University leadership to resist temptations to regulate faculty speech at the classroom level.

Under a new system-wide funding scheme, UNC-Chapel Hill will lose just under $7 million in funding. The UNC System Board of Governors approved a plan that would link funding to University performance. There is disagreement about the benefits of the plan across University leadership with Chancellor Lee Roberts supporting the new model and members of the Board of Trustees comparing the plan to a “tax.”

Professor Dwayne Dixon has been fully reinstated by UNC after a full threat assessment was conducted. Dixon was put on administrative leave after concerns emerged he was a proponent of political violence and his affiliation with a far-left gun club was revealed. Through its investigation, the University found that Dixon was no threat to campus and violated no official policy.

Former provost Chris Clemens is suing the UNC-Chapel Hill Board of Trustees. The ex-provost claims that the board engages in secrecy and withholds information from the public, in violation of state law. The board’s chairman Malcom Turner has pushed back against Clemens’ suit and asserts the group is transparent and works within its rights.

UNC professor Dwayne Dixon is under an indefinite leave after his involvement with the armed far-left “Redneck Revolt” group was uncovered. This comes after multiple instances of violence on the campuses of American universities. In a statement, the University affirmed their commitment to free speech, opposition to political violence, and confirmed Dixon is being investigated.

Legal scholar and author Ilya Shapiro recently visited Carolina at the invitation of UNC AFSA. During his lecture, he discussed his book Lawless: The Miseducation of America’s Elites and the state of free speech in higher education. The Daily Tar Heel spoke with Shapiro and students about these issues.

Public universities across the state of North Carolina are being forced to restructure programs and staff due to changes in state and federal regulation. These include the banning of DEI and the threat of the federal government withholding funding. As part of the restructuring, UNC abolished 41 vacant positions, 35 of which were “diversity liaison” roles. The UNC Board of Trustees is pleased with the current progress at the university.

Members of the UNC College Republicans organized a vigil commemorating the life of Charlie Kirk after his assisination. The political activist and frequent campus speaker was lauded for his willingness to express his views and his ability to inspire young people. Students across the political spectrum denounced political violence at the event.

The Board of Trustees recently met to discuss implementing cuts to DEI after changes to the University system and federal rules.

They say the removal verges on infringing on the free speech rights of the students who put up the artwork.

As students return to campus, Chancellor Lee Roberts discusses changes to UNC funding.

While the UNC System and the federal government have cracked down on DEI in higher education, the practice continues to occur.

With uncertainty surrounding federal funds and a stalled state budget, the UNC System board is meeting to discuss possible effects on the state’s public universities.

UNC-Chapel Hill has been ranked the third best value public school in the nation by The Princeton Review. UNC moved up one spot in the annual poll based on a slew of factors including academic excellence, affordability and career outcomes. Carolina also ranked high in other categories such as best alumni networks and schools making an impact.

Governor Josh Stein has recently vetoed a bill that would have imposed DEI mandates on public universities and community colleges in North Carolina. Within the UNC System, many of the proposed regulations in the bill have already been implemented because of action by the Board of Governors. The General Assembly has the chance to override the veto.

UNC-Chapel Hill has paused all hiring, promotions, and salary changes in response to new systemwide financial guidelines. The move comes as the University expects funding cuts on both the state and federal level. The University expects more guidance soon.

Alice Scott | The Daily Tar Heel

Vice Chancellor and General Counsel Paul Newton discusses a wide range of issues pertaining to his new roles. Besides giving insights on budgetary and legal issues, Newton reaffirms his opposition to DEI and his commitment to academic freedom.

In response to uncertainties over federal funding, UNC-Chapel Hill has paused construction plans for a new research building on its campus.

Why it matters: The pause is the latest sign of how changing priorities within the federal government under the Trump administration affect the Triangle's universities — key players in the region's and state's economy.

UNC Charlotte says an administrator is “no longer employed” after a video went viral of her implying work related to diversity, equity and inclusion was still happening on campus.

The video, which appears to use a hidden camera, was originally posted by nonprofit activist group Accuracy in Media. Posts on X by Corey DeAngelis, who identifies himself as a senior advisor for the nonprofit, received more than 4 million views. They caught the attention of Assistant U.S. Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon and N.C. Senate leader Phil Berger, who also posted about the video.

The dean of the UNC School of Law recently announced he is stepping down from the role.

After serving as dean since 2015, Martin Brinkley said Monday he will leave the position at the end of the 2025-26 academic year, or if Chancellor Lee Roberts can hire a successor before then.

“When one has lived for a while in this world, one learns to listen to the gentle but firm voice of the writer of Ecclesiastes: ‘To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted,’” Brinkley said in an email to the law school community, according to the North Carolina Tribune.

Jenna Robinson | James G. Martin Center | April 24, 2025

UNC AFSA Board Member Jenna Robinson describes her experience sitting in on two classes at the School of Civic Life and Leadership. She credits Professor John Rose and his students for navigating a robust civil dialogue on the issue of abortion and commends Professor Danielle Charette James’s students on their preparation and engagement with Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America. Robinson writes that SCiLL students bucked the trend of self-censorship that is rampant on campuses today.

Ryan Quinn | Inside Higher Education | April 14, 2025

UNC Provost Chris Clemens has resigned after disagreements with hiring practices at the School of Civic Life and Leadership. Established in 2023, SCiLL aims to promote civic education, civil discourse, and a free speech culture at UNC. According to reports, Clemens disagreed with SCiLL Dean Jed Atkins regarding the hiring of outside faculty members. Clemens will return to teaching astronomy in the fall.

The revocation of six UNC students’ visas follows the issuance of a Trump administration executive order targeting those who “intend to commit terrorist attacks, threaten our national security, espouse hateful ideology, or otherwise exploit” immigration law. While the specific reasons for the visa terminations at UNC are unclear, FIRE has warned that revoking visas for political speech, including “hateful ideology,” will chill campus speech and may violate the First Amendment.

The UNC Board of Trustees passed a resolution affirming its commitment to free speech after passing time, place, and manner restrictions on campus protests. The resolution proclaimed the University’s support for students’ right to protest while maintaining the need to prevent the disruption of operations. This comes after protests last spring led to class cancellations and threats against administrators.

UNC Student Jaden Miller argues that UNC needs better forums for students to converse freely with each other about issues of importance. He points to a recent study that showed a sizable population of UNC students do not feel comfortable openly sharing their political opinions. He proposes moderated public lecture halls and online forums as possible methods to engage students in meaningful dialogue.

The ACLU of North Carolina, Emancipate North Carolina, and Muslim Advocates jointly filed a lawsuit against UNC alleging First Amendment violations against pro-Palestine protesters last spring. The lawsuit claims that participants in the protests on Polk Place––which culminated in the police clearing of an encampment—were acting within their First Amendment rights and were denied due process by administrators.

The UNC-Chapel Hill Board of Trustees recently met to discuss how to balance student free speech protections and campus safety after the UNC System implemented time and place restrictions on campus protests in response to events last spring. The board passed a resolution affirming their support for the First Amendment, while also making clear that violence and vandalism will not be tolerated.