University of North Carolina Asheville has parted ways with Dean of Students Megan Pugh following her candid admission about continuing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives despite system-wide restrictions. The controversial statements were captured in undercover footage that exposed apparent attempts to circumvent official policies.
According to Breitbart, Pugh was recorded telling an undercover journalist from Accuracy in Media that the university was still implementing DEI policies despite official prohibitions. "I mean we probably still do anyway… but you gotta keep it quiet," Pugh stated in the video.
The comments directly contradict the North Carolina System Board of Governors' previous decision to effectively ban controversial DEI practices and transition to what they termed "institutional neutrality." Pugh's recorded statements suggested a deliberate effort to maintain these programs despite clear policy directives.
The undercover footage shows Pugh enthusiastically discussing her approach to maintaining DEI initiatives. When asked if "breaking rules" explained why they "spread it out," Pugh responded affirmatively, adding that the decentralized approach made these practices easier to maintain.
"Part of it is that, part of it is just because we don't have a dedicated office for it anymore, it's easier to maintain," she admitted in the recording. The dean appeared unconcerned about potential consequences, stating they would continue "until more or less they get mad at us, but they haven't done it yet."
Pugh also confirmed that the university administration was generally supportive of the ways DEI was still being implemented despite official policy changes. This implied a broader institutional involvement in potentially circumventing the Board of Governors' directive against DEI initiatives across the UNC system.
UNC Asheville officials responded quickly after the video's release, distancing the institution from Pugh's statements. A university spokesperson acknowledged awareness of the video containing comments that implied non-compliance with system policies and legal requirements.
"These remarks do not represent the practices of UNC Asheville. The University remains firmly committed to upholding all UNC System policies as well as federal and state laws, both in principle and in practice," the university stated. The response emphasized institutional alignment with official guidelines rather than the approach described by Pugh.
The university confirmed Pugh's departure, stating plainly that "the individual is no longer employed at the university." Additionally, officials announced plans for a "comprehensive review to reinforce expectations and ensure all employees are aligned with applicable laws and policies," suggesting broader concerns about potential non-compliance.
The controversy occurs amid heightened debate over DEI initiatives at public universities nationwide. The North Carolina System Board of Governors had previously voted to substantially restrict DEI practices in favor of "institutional neutrality," reflecting similar moves in other states.
These policy changes have created tension within many university communities, where some faculty and administrators remain committed to diversity programs they consider essential to educational equity and inclusion. The recording suggests that implementation of these restrictions may face resistance at operational levels within institutions.
The incident highlights challenges in policy enforcement across large university systems, where central directives may encounter varied interpretations or resistance at individual campuses. It also demonstrates the increasing scrutiny facing DEI initiatives in public higher education, particularly in states where legislators have questioned their value or implementation.
Pugh's removal represents a significant administrative consequence in the ongoing debate over DEI policies in higher education. Her recorded statements about "loving breaking rules" and working around system policies created an untenable position for a dean of students responsible for upholding university regulations.
The incident has attracted attention beyond North Carolina, serving as a flashpoint in national conversations about university governance and the implementation of controversial policies. Advocacy groups on both sides of the DEI debate have pointed to the situation as evidence supporting their respective positions on these programs.
UNC Asheville now faces the challenge of rebuilding trust with system leadership while addressing questions about how widespread the described practices might have been. The promised comprehensive review suggests potential concerns that similar approaches might exist elsewhere within the institution's structure.
