“We’re Still Chugging Along”: AIM Exposed Illegal DEI in North Carolina — And We’re Still Watching
September 8, 2026
City and county employees in Asheville, North Carolina, were caught on hidden camera admitting that DEI programs were still operating inside local government — even as the political and legal landscape turned sharply against taxpayer-funded diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
Accuracy in Media investigators went undercover to find out what was really happening inside North Carolina’s local governments. What officials said when they thought the cameras weren’t rolling tells a very different story from the one taxpayers might expect.
An Asheville city employee spoke with an undercover Accuracy in Media investigator who asked about the government’s DEI office.
The response was enthusiastic.
“Yeah, it’s amazing and it’s growing, too. Yeah, yeah, we’re still chugging along.”
And that wasn’t an isolated admission.
Nnweyna Smith, Human Affairs Coordinator for Buncombe County, North Carolina, was also captured speaking candidly with an AIM investigator about the future of the county’s equity efforts.
Asked about the equity department, Smith acknowledged that the political environment threatened its survival.
“Because, you know, with all that’s happening in politics nowadays, we don’t know how long we’re going to be around. That’s the frightening gamble.”
Buncombe is the county in which Asheville lies. As such, Asheville residents have been funding DEI on both the city and county levels.
Smith’s comments reveal officials who were well aware that DEI programs were under fire — but whose offices nevertheless continued operating.
Following AIM’s previous investigations into DEI programs operating across the Tar Heel State, the North Carolina House of Representatives passed legislation banning DEI programs in local government. Those who violate the law can face fines of up to $10,000 per infraction.
The Senate, however, has yet to act.
Visit SaveCarolinaCities.com to send one email to the relevant North Carolina officials and demand action.