University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – Suspension of Dwayne Dixon

Summary

In late September 2025, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill placed Dwayne Dixon, a Teaching Associate Professor in the Department of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, on administrative leave. The university cited concerns over his alleged affiliation with Redneck Revolt, an anti-racist, anti-fascist organization, and the potential advocacy of politically motivated violence. Dixon was prohibited from campus and contact with students and staff unless approved by the Dean.

Following the suspension, a campus rally took place on October 1, 2025, in support of Dixon. Students, faculty, and community members gathered near the South Building, emphasizing free speech rights and questioning the university’s handling of the situation. The demonstration remained peaceful, though attendees expressed differing views on the balance between free speech and accountability.

On October 2, 2025, the ACLU of North Carolina sent a demand letter to UNC, asserting that Dixon’s suspension violated his First Amendment rights. The letter noted that Dixon had not been affiliated with Redneck Revolt since 2018 and was not involved in recent events at Georgetown University. The ACLU demanded his reinstatement by October 3, warning that the university could face legal action if it failed to comply.

On October 3, 2025, UNC reinstated Dixon following a threat assessment conducted by the Carolina Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management Team, in consultation with the UNC System security office and local law enforcement. The assessment concluded that Dixon did not pose a threat to the university community and had not engaged in conduct violating university policy.