Union-Bulletin Covers Fallout from AIM’s Mizzou Undercover Video
September 15, 2026
Mizzou probes professor caught in anti-DEI sting operation as video draws scrutiny
Jack Harvel | The Kansas City Star (TNS) | Sep 15, 2026
The University of Missouri said it’s investigating a professor who was covertly recorded by a conservative advocacy group seeking to expose diversity, equity and inclusion programs on college campuses.
The chair of the university’s Department of Sociology, Wayne Brekhus, was recorded in what appears to be a candid conversation with a prospective student asking about the university’s DEI programs.
Brekhus says in the video that there is “DEI-types of research” at the university but that it has suffered amid a backlash against DEI.
“It’s been really tough on research, but so far they haven’t hit the curriculum,” Brekhus said in the video.
Brekhus also described how schools generally reorganized DEI programs rather than eliminate them. DEI is a broad framework of strategies meant to promote fair treatment, representation and participation, with a particular focus on underrepresented groups.
The expansiveness of what is considered DEI has made it difficult for Republican lawmakers to define it when attempting to institute a ban.
“What places did is kind of like they changed the name or they put them under a different umbrella to make it less visible that it was DEI or things like that,” Brekhus said. “They found clever ways to, like, continue to have DEI centers, but not call them that. It was mostly cosmetic.”
Mizzou promises investigation
The University of Missouri responded to the recordings on Monday with a statement from Brekhus.
“I apologize for my mistake. The video was taken last year as Mizzou was eliminating its DEI programs. I am fully aware that Mizzou no longer has DEI programs and does not conduct DEI research,” Brekhus said.
The university said Brekhus’ conduct “will be investigated and appropriate actions will be taken.” It also said the university voluntarily eliminated DEI programs and requirements in curriculum, and has complied with federal directions to end research projects on the subject.
The university responded to several posts about the video with an identical response: thanking individuals for bringing the issue to their attention, sharing Brekhus’ statement and saying it complies with laws and policies banning DEI. In a now-deleted post, the university replied to a hateful post with the same response.