AIM Investigation Featured in 1819 News’ University of Alabama DEI Report
June 9, 2026
‘This actually is stupid’: Hidden camera shows University of Alabama administrator criticizing DEI law, bragging of ‘holes’ school exploits
Apryl Marie Fogel | 06.09.26
Accuracy in Media has released video footage of Shemaiah Kenon, assistant director of the Intercultural Center at the University of Alabama, bragging that she has found “holes” in the state’s legislation banning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and other divisive concepts at the state’s colleges and universities.
“When I read the draft of the bill, people were calling me like, ‘This is blasphemy.’ I said it’s actually stupid because I found some holes,” Kenon is heard admitting on camera.
She admits that at one point, they met with a state legislator on a call.
“They’re like there are ways around this, like we can work through this,” she says.
She admits that the school hosted a drag-queen event “that was so dope” in the past and says her pronouns are still in her email signature.
“Most of our faculty and staff are progressive…and it’s always the ones you’d least likely suspect,” Kenon says.
“It’s so funny because you would look at them and you’re thinking they’re coming in to complain, they’re like ‘This is bull, you need to do something about it.”
The video, along with a call to action, was released ahead of Wednesday’s upcoming vote by the University of Florida’s Board of Trustees. The board will decide if the school will hire former University of Alabama president Stuart Bell, following the recommendation of the university’s presidential search committee.
Accuracy in Media is joining a growing chorus of conservatives opposed to Bell’s hiring, citing his longstanding history of DEI practices at UA and his efforts to move players in the DEI program around the school, allowing them to continue their practices under other titles and offices.