Charlotte, North Carolina, July 23, 2025
News Summary
An administrator at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte has been terminated following a viral undercover video revealing discussions about covert DEI initiatives. The video, which has garnered over 4 million views, shows Janique Sanders emphasizing the university’s efforts to continue diversity, equity, and inclusion projects despite a ban on such activities. UNC Charlotte officials clarified that her comments do not represent the university’s policies. The incident has sparked political reactions and further investigations into DEI practices at North Carolina institutions.
Charlotte, North Carolina – An administrator at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte has been terminated following the release of an undercover video by the nonprofit group Accuracy in Media. The video, which has amassed over 4 million views since its publication on May 28, 2025, shows Janique Sanders discussing covert ways the university is continuing to engage in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, despite the university’s ban on such activities.
Sanders was secretly recorded stating that the university has “renamed, reorganized, and recalibrated” its approach to DEI work. She emphasized that while overt DEI positions are not available, there are still opportunities for those interested in covert work. Following the video’s release, UNC Charlotte officials clarified that Sanders’ remarks do not reflect the university’s policies or official practices.
Christy Jackson, Deputy Chief Communications Officer at UNC Charlotte, confirmed that Sanders did not have the authority to make policy decisions or to speak on behalf of the university regarding DEI matters. An internal review prompted by the video’s findings led to Sanders’ dismissal, and her biography page has since been removed from the university’s website.
The incident has caught the attention of various political figures, including Harmeet Dhillon, Assistant U.S. Attorney General, and Phil Berger, Senate leader in North Carolina. It has reignited conversations about the university’s recent decision to abolish its DEI offices and programs in alignment with directives from the University of North Carolina System Board of Governors. This board repealed its DEI policy in May 2024, endorsing a stance of “institutional neutrality.”
Subsequent to this policy change, UNC Charlotte had closed three offices affiliated with DEI initiatives. The university has announced plans to conduct a thorough review to ensure that all employees understand and abide by existing policies and legal guidelines.
The UNC Charlotte chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) has reacted to the situation with condemnation, highlighting the ongoing contentiousness surrounding DEI programs in educational institutions. Additionally, another firing occurred at the University of North Carolina Asheville, where Dean of Students Megan Pugh was also dismissed for breaking rules to push forward DEI efforts.
This controversy reflects broader national concerns regarding the impact of political agendas on educational institutions, particularly allegations of university administrators working around newly implemented DEI regulations. The president of Accuracy in Media noted that further investigations into the practices of other North Carolina universities concerning DEI initiatives are forthcoming.
Key Context
The relationship between universities and DEI initiatives has become a contentious issue, particularly following recent policy changes. The repeal of DEI practices within the University of North Carolina system was a significant shift aimed at fostering institutional neutrality. As universities navigate these policies, incidents such as Sanders’ dismissal raise concerns and generate dialogue about the future role and implementation of DEI in higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why was Janique Sanders fired?
Janique Sanders was terminated after an undercover video surfaced showing her discussing covert ways to continue diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at UNC Charlotte, despite a university ban on such activities.
What does the term DEI mean?
DEI stands for diversity, equity, and inclusion. These initiatives are designed to promote representation and fair treatment across various demographics within educational institutions.
What actions has UNC Charlotte taken following the video?
Following the video’s release, UNC Charlotte conducted an internal review that led to Sanders’ dismissal and plans to ensure that all employees are educated on relevant policies and legal compliance.
What was the University of North Carolina System Board of Governors’ role in this situation?
The Board of Governors was responsible for repealing the DEI policy in May 2024, prioritizing institutional neutrality, which led to the closure of DEI offices across the system, including UNC Charlotte.
Summary of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Termination | Janique Sanders fired for discussing covert DEI initiatives |
| Video Views | Over 4 million views on the undercover video |
| University Policy | DEI initiatives banned by UNC Charlotte following Board of Governors directive |
| Political Reaction | Responses from political figures and organizations, including AAUP |
| Further Investigations | Potential inquiries into DEI practices at other North Carolina institutions |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
North Carolina’s General Assembly Enacts Oversight for Urban Governance
UNC System Implements Policy Change on DEI Initiatives
Atlantic Group Expands with New Office in Charlotte
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Integrates AI into Curriculum
UNC System Suspends DEI Course Requirement Amid Federal Push
Western Carolina University Closes Intercultural Affairs Office
Western Carolina University Administrator Terminated Over DEI Video
Backlash Over DEI Initiatives at UNC Charlotte
UNC Asheville Terminates Dean of Students Over DEI Controversy
UNC Charlotte Administrator Terminated Over DEI Video
Additional Resources
- Charlotte Observer
- Wikipedia: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Axios
- Google Search: UNC Charlotte DEI
- Inside Higher Ed
Author: HERE Charlotte
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