NC State staffer admits school swapped names and titles, but keeps DEI going

February 5, 2026

By Accuracy In Media

The University of North Carolina system’s Board of Governors may have officially put an end to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programming at state universities, but on the ground, it’s clear that employees are keeping it alive and well on campus. 

“We’re still able to do the things that we want to do, have these events and programs. We have to be a little more careful,” explained Jae Edwards, Assistant Director of the LGBTQ Pride Center at NC State University.

Edwards told Accuracy in Media’s undercover investigators on hidden camera that they’re used to “finding ways around.”

“As a marginalized group, we’re used to these things,” he said. “And we’re used to going around them and finding ways around.”

One of these ways is channeling programming and events through student organizations, which are not beholden to the same rules as the university administration. 

“And the best thing about it is that we’re really trying to push our student organizations to [do] more and support our student organizations more ’cause they’re not affected by it,” Edwards said.

“So like none of this stuff affects them. And so we’re really trying to support them in their events and their programming so they can also continue to thrive,” he continued. 

The UNC system Board of Governors repealed its DEI policies last year, replacing them with one to “reaffirm the University’s commitment to nondiscrimination, equality of opportunity, institutional neutrality, academic freedom and student success.”

But at least according to this NC State staffer, this hasn’t stopped DEI at the school. It’s just forced them to operate in a stealthier manner to avoid the optics of DEI. 

According to Edwards, “There is a little more red tape than we’re used to.” 

Across the country, schools are openly defying laws and policies against DEI in schools. But AIM isn’t letting them fly under the radar. 

Go to SaveNCSchools.com and easily send a message to the Board of Governors to tell them how you feel about NC State blatantly ignoring the policy to continue DEI education. 

Also consider making a tax-deductible contribution to support AIM’s investigative work.