UNC Asheville Dean Removed After Admitting Secret DEI Push

Following a 2023 Supreme Court ruling and subsequent actions by the Trump administration, the University of North Carolina System has dismantled many of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. Despite official rollbacks, UNC Asheville's Dean of Students, Megan Pugh, was secretly recorded admitting to continuing DEI efforts covertly, stating, "I love breaking rules" and acknowledging that the absence of a dedicated DEI office made it easier to maintain such initiatives. This undercover video, released by the conservative group Accuracy in Media, led to Pugh's termination, as the university affirmed its commitment to complying with UNC System policies and legal requirements. The incident underscores ongoing tensions between institutional DEI efforts and state and federal mandates aimed at curtailing race-based policies in public universities. UNC Asheville has pledged a comprehensive review to ensure adherence to applicable laws and policies moving forward. These developments highlight the challenges universities face in balancing policy compliance with internal diversity objectives.