Carolina Public Press Highlights Impact of AIM’s Undercover Video at NC State
February 16, 2026
Yet another UNC System employee has been terminated, this time from NC State University, as a result of a covertly recorded video from the conservative activist group Accuracy in Media.
A string of the undercover videos led to the firing of at least two other individuals from the UNC System last summer, one of whom is now suing their former employer, UNC-Charlotte, for discrimination. AIM says it records and publishes the videos to document what it views as ongoing diversity initiatives across universities despite the UNC System repealing its DEI policies in 2024.
The video shows the then-assistant director of the university’s LGBTQ Pride Center, Jae Edwards, saying to an unidentified person who was secretly recording for AIM, “As a marginalized group we’re used to these things, and we’re used to going around them and finding ways around. I think it’s so important, more than ever, to still uplift and celebrate our students.” Edwards did not respond to CPP’s request for comment.
An NC State spokesperson confirmed Edwards’ termination, which has drawn criticism from students and faculty and a petition calling for his reinstatement, earlier this month. Edwards posted a GoFundMe last week to cover bills and expenses and has raised nearly double the amount he sought.
“The individual seen in the video had no role in policy or compliance decisions and was not authorized to speak on behalf of the university,” a university spokesperson said. “The staff member no longer works at the university. NC State complies with both the spirit and letter of all applicable federal and state laws and UNC System policies, and any violation is taken very seriously.”
In a letter published by student newspapers Technician and The Nubian Message, faculty leaders and student representatives called on Chancellor Kevin Howell, Provost Warwick Arden and Dean for the Division of Academic and Student Affairs Doneka Scott to either provide more details on the university’s decision to terminate Edwards or to reinstate him due to “the absence of any clear evidence that Edwards violated university policies or the conditions of his employment.”
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