News Summary
Megan Pugh, the Dean of Students at UNC Asheville, has been dismissed after an undercover video revealed her continued support for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, defying a UNC System Board ban. The video triggered backlash, leading to a review of her employment. UNC Asheville stated that Pugh’s comments do not reflect the institution’s practices, amid a broader restructuring of DEI initiatives within the university system, including job eliminations and changes in departmental roles.
Asheville, NC – The Dean of Students at UNC Asheville, Megan Pugh, has been terminated from her position following the release of an undercover video that revealed her ongoing support for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programming, despite a ban from the UNC System Board of Governors. The video, produced by Accuracy in Media, showcased Pugh contradicting the board’s directive by stating that DEI efforts continued quietly at the university.
The controversial footage sparked considerable backlash and led to a prompt review of Pugh’s employment status, resulting in her dismissal. During the recorded conversation, Pugh expressed her love for breaking rules in connection with continuing DEI initiatives, and she acknowledged the absence of a dedicated DEI office, which she indicated facilitated these programs without drawing attention.
In a statement following the incident, a spokesperson for UNC Asheville emphasized that Pugh’s remarks did not represent the university’s practices. The university reiterated its commitment to adhering to policies and legal requirements set forth by the UNC System. As a result of the review, Megan Pugh is no longer employed by the institution.
Pugh had been a part of the UNC Asheville community since 2017, initially serving in the Office of Multicultural Affairs before ascending to the role of Dean of Students. During her tenure, the university has seen a significant restructuring of DEI initiatives. Recently, the UNC System eliminated nearly 60 DEI-related positions and restructured over 130 others, following the repeal of a previous DEI mandate.
In the past year alone, UNC Asheville closed its Office of Multicultural Affairs and transitioned the director position to an associate dean role that is distinct from DEI efforts. This shift reflects a broader trend in the UNC System, which has faced increasing scrutiny over its DEI initiatives, particularly subsequent to policy changes made under the Trump administration.
The undercover video of Pugh’s comments was disseminated widely on June 3 and has since received attention on various platforms, igniting discussions around the future of DEI programs within the university system. The issue has drawn criticism from Republican Congresswoman Virginia Foxx, who condemned Pugh’s statements, advocating for a more extensive overhaul of university personnel supporting DEI initiatives.
Furthermore, Accuracy in Media has indicated that they possess additional footage from multiple universities in North Carolina that may involve similar discussions regarding DEI practices. The Society of Professional Journalists has raised ethical concerns about the methods used in gathering this information, suggesting that such practices usually should be avoided unless the public interest clearly outweighs ethical considerations.
In light of the incident involving Megan Pugh, UNC Asheville’s administration has communicated its intention to review current practices to ensure compliance with applicable laws and policies moving forward. The situation highlights the ongoing tensions and debates surrounding DEI efforts within higher education, particularly in light of changing political and institutional landscapes.
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Additional Resources
- Niner Times
- Wikipedia: Diversity, equity and inclusion
- Daily Wire
- Google Search: Diversity Equity Inclusion UNC Asheville
- Fox News
- Google Scholar: Diversity Equity Inclusion in higher education
- WLOS
- Google News: UNC Asheville DEI termination
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
