North Texas Daily Highlights AIM Video Behind UNT Investigation
April 10, 2026
On April 10, Attorney General Ken Paxton called for the firing of Paige Falco, a formerly employed field education coordinator for the Department of Social Work, in a press release announcing an investigation into the university over diversity, equity and inclusion policies.
The investigation is in response to a video from June 18, 2025, published by activism media-watchdog group Accuracy in Media on April 6, featuring Falco answering questions about DEI teachings in the Department of Social Work. In the video, also published by Texas Scorecard on April 7, Falco said the department has to teach “anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion” to remain eligible for accreditation.
“The views expressed by a UNT staff member in June are inconsistent with the university’s commitments and practices as a public institution to comply with state and federal laws and regulations,” Director of Media Relations Devynn Case said in an email to the North Texas Daily.
The Daily reached out to Falco and received an automated response saying she was “no longer employed by the university.” The university confirmed Falco is not currently employed and is working to confirm the date of her change in employment.
The elimination of DEI at the university came after Gov. Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 17 in 2023. SB 17 prohibits Texas public colleges from maintaining diversity, equity and inclusion efforts and offices. The law also forbids public universities from requiring employees to participate in DEI training or make DEI statements.
In adherence to SB 17, the university eliminated or modified 187 activities, resources and undergraduate academic programs between December 2024 and January 2025. The university also eliminated 78 graduate courses in the College of Education in November 2025.
The video was taken by an anonymous interviewer, who the press release described as an “undercover investigator.” The video captures Falco speaking with the interviewer about how classes within the department have to meet accreditation requirements as well as adhere to SB 17.