Charlotte, NC, December 24, 2025
Janique Sanders, a former administrator, has filed a lawsuit against the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She alleges her First Amendment rights were violated and claims racial discrimination led to her termination after the circulation of an undercover video discussing diversity efforts. The case highlights broader issues surrounding free speech and DEI policies in higher education.
Charlotte
A former administrator has initiated legal proceedings against the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte), alleging violations of her First Amendment rights and racial discrimination, leading to what she claims was a ‘targeted’ termination from her position. This significant development, filed in federal court on December 22, 2025, has recently come to light, bringing renewed attention to the circumstances surrounding the administrator’s departure from the prominent public university.
Details of the Allegations
The lawsuit was filed by Janique Sanders, a former assistant director in the university’s Office of Leadership and Community Engagement. Sanders alleges that her termination in May 2025 followed the viral circulation of an undercover video where she discussed diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts on campus. The video, reportedly produced by a conservative media group in fall 2024, captured Sanders expressing her personal opinion that while DEI had been abandoned as a matter of policy in the UNC system, its original values ought to remain vital parts of campus life to ensure students feel supported.
Specifically, Sanders’ lawsuit claims that UNC Charlotte violated her First Amendment right to free speech and that her race was a motivating factor in her dismissal. Her attorney, Artur Davis, asserts that Sanders did not violate any university policies during the taped conversation and simply expressed a protected opinion on DEI. The lawsuit further alleges that the university failed to conduct an internal review, did not interview Sanders, and did not review the full video before her termination.
Sanders had begun working at UNC Charlotte in a dedicated DEI office in 2021. After the UNC System Board of Governors repealed its DEI policies in 2024, she was moved to the Leadership and Community Engagement office. The lawsuit suggests that leadership in Sanders’ new office aimed to “preserve core aspects of its prior mission without running afoul of the Board of Governors’ anti-DEI mandate,” which Sanders reiterated in the video. The termination occurred a day after the video went viral and amid discussions from the Department of Education regarding potential loss of federal funding for universities that did not eliminate DEI policies.
The legal action seeks compensation for lost income and emotional distress, though a specific amount has not been disclosed.
The University’s Stance and Legal Process
In response to the lawsuit, UNC Charlotte has stated that it does not comment on pending litigation. Previously, in May 2025, university officials stated that Sanders’ comments in the video were inaccurate and that she was not authorized to speak on such issues, noting that she had no policy-making authority or role in compliance matters. Following an internal review at that time, the university confirmed that Sanders was “no longer employed.”
Institutions of higher education typically have established legal protocols for addressing lawsuits, which involve comprehensive internal investigations, collaboration with legal counsel, and strict adherence to judicial timelines and requirements. The legal process will likely proceed through several phases, commencing with a period of discovery, during which both the plaintiff and the university will exchange relevant documents, depositions, and evidence. Following discovery, there may be attempts at mediation or negotiation for a potential settlement. Should a resolution not be reached, the case would then proceed to trial, where a judge or jury would ultimately decide the merits of the allegations.
Background of UNC Charlotte
UNC Charlotte is recognized as a cornerstone of higher education in North Carolina and a vital institution within the state’s economic and cultural landscape. Established in 1946 to serve returning World War II veterans, it has evolved into a comprehensive public research university. With its strategic location in Charlotte, the state’s largest city, the university has grown significantly to become the second-largest institution by enrollment within the prestigious University of North Carolina System. UNC Charlotte is committed to providing accessible, high-quality education, fostering groundbreaking research, and engaging deeply with its community. It offers a wide array of undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs across numerous colleges, serving a diverse student body and contributing significantly to regional development through innovation and workforce preparation. The university’s administration plays a critical role in managing the vast operations, upholding academic standards, and ensuring a conducive environment for its thousands of faculty, staff, and students. The university’s Office of Legal Affairs provides guidance on employment law issues, including non-discrimination policies, employee discipline, and First Amendment issues.
Implications of the Lawsuit
A legal action of this magnitude, particularly one involving allegations of First Amendment violations and racial discrimination related to DEI policies, is likely to attract considerable scrutiny from both the internal university community and the wider public. Such cases can profoundly impact employee morale, potentially eroding trust and confidence among the university’s workforce. Beyond the immediate legal costs, which can be substantial, and any potential monetary damages awarded, the lawsuit could also have broader implications for the university’s reputation, especially concerning its commitment to free speech and equitable treatment of employees.
Maintaining a strong public image as a fair and ethical employer is crucial for attracting top talent, students, and funding. Furthermore, legal challenges of this nature often prompt internal reviews of existing employment policies and practices. These reviews aim to identify potential vulnerabilities, ensure compliance with labor laws, and reinforce principles of fairness, equity, and transparency in all hiring, evaluation, and termination processes. The unfolding legal proceedings will be closely watched by various stakeholders, as they delve into fundamental questions concerning employment rights, institutional accountability, and governance within the realm of higher education, especially in the context of evolving policies around diversity and inclusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the main subject of the lawsuit against UNC Charlotte?
- A former administrator, Janique Sanders, has filed a lawsuit against UNC Charlotte alleging violations of her First Amendment rights and racial discrimination, leading to a ‘targeted’ termination from her position.
- What specific event led to the administrator’s termination?
- Janique Sanders’ termination in May 2025 followed the viral circulation of an undercover video where she discussed diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts on campus.
- What are the key allegations made by the former administrator?
- The lawsuit claims that UNC Charlotte violated her First Amendment right to free speech and that her race was a motivating factor in her dismissal.
- What is UNC Charlotte’s response to the lawsuit?
- UNC Charlotte has stated that it does not comment on pending litigation.
- What kind of compensation is being sought in the lawsuit?
- Janique Sanders is seeking compensation for lost income and emotional distress.
Key Aspects of the Lawsuit Against UNC Charlotte
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Plaintiff | Janique Sanders, Former UNC Charlotte administrator |
| Defendant | University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte) |
| Primary Allegations | First Amendment violations and racial discrimination, leading to ‘targeted’ termination |
| Catalyst Event | Undercover video discussing DEI efforts went viral, leading to termination in May 2025 |
| University’s Stance (Previous) | Comments in video were inaccurate and not authorized; individual no longer employed |
| University’s Current Response | Does not comment on pending litigation |
| Damages Sought | Lost income and emotional distress |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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