UNC Professor Reinstated Following Brief Administrative Leave, Campus Rally

COMMUNITY NEWS

By Adam Powell
Correspondent

Editor’s Note: UNC professor Dwayne Dixon was reinstated on the morning of Friday, October 3.

CHAPEL HILL–On Wednesday, Oct. 1, a large group of over 100 professors, students, and supporters in favor of reinstating a UNC-Chapel Hill professor recently placed on administrative leave gathered on the Chapel Hill campus to express their concerns. Two days later, the University reinstated the professor, claiming they found no wrongdoing following an investigation. 

According to the Daily Tar Heel, UNC Asian and Middle Eastern Studies professor Dwayne Dixon was placed on administrative leave on Monday, September 29, following reports of Dixon’s previous alleged ties to “Redneck Revolt,” a group that claimed to be against fascism, racism, and in support of community defense when it existed late last decade.

Dixon has been seen at multiple protests and rallies on the UNC campus over the years, mainly in support of social justice and in opposition to fascism and racism. The student-run Daily Tar Heel learned that Dixon was previously a member of Redneck Revolt’s Silver Valley Chapter, which Dixon told the DTH he left in 2018.

In 2017, Dixon reportedly represented Redneck Revolt at the now-infamous Unite the Right rally on the campus of the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, where a young woman was killed by a speeding vehicle, and numerous protestors and counter-protestors were injured and roughed up.

Dixon was reportedly in Charlottesville for the Unite the Right rally to provide medical assistance and armed security to the counterprotestors challenging the far-right attendees who made their way to the highly charged event.

According to Fox News, the Counter Extremism Project has listed Redneck Revolt as a branch of the John Brown Gun Club, which was involved in attacks at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities in Washington and Texas. Redneck Revolt reportedly became defunct back in 2019, but the concerns about Dixon’s involvement in such a group prompted UNC to investigate the situation.

A flyer recognized at Georgetown University in late September by Andrew Kolvet, a member of Turning Point USA—the organization founded by the late influencer Charlie Kirk—helped prompt UNC’s investigation into Dixon and his out-of-class activities.

“The University of North Carolina has informed Dr. Dwayne Dixon, professor of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, that he has been placed on administrative leave, effectively immediately, following recent reports and expressions of concern regarding alleged advocacy of politically motivated violence,” read a statement from UNC Vice Chancellor for Communications Dean Stoyer that was provided to ABC 11 Eyewitness News. “Placing Dr. Dixon on leave will allow the University to investigate these allegations in a manner that protects the integrity of its assessment.”

Stoyer’s release to the local television news media added that, depending upon the nature and circumstances of Dixon’s activity, the conduct could be grounds for disciplinary action up to and including potential termination of employment, according to the standards outlined in the Trustee Policies and Regulations Governing Academic Tenure in the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and pursuant to UNC practice.

“At this time the total length of the administrative leave has not been determined, as it will depend on the time needed to thoroughly assess the allegations and investigate if needed,” read Stoyer’s statement. “The University continues to reaffirm its commitment to rigorous debate, respectful engagement, and open dialogue in support of free speech. There is no place for or tolerance of inciting or extending sympathy toward violence of any kind within the UNC community.”

At the October 1 rally, Dixon’s supporters met in front of the South Building, many wearing masks and some wearing shirts expressing sympathy for some of Dixon’s views. Some brought signs expressing their desire to see Dixon reinstated, while others brought noise-making devices such as tambourines, horns, and megaphones.

Despite the noise, however, the rally remained entirely peaceful—unlike other rallies on the UNC campus in recent years that have stirred controversy and made headlines.

The toppling of Silent Sam in the summer of 2018, and the pro-Palestinian rally in the spring of 2024 that led to a group of UNC fraternity students receiving national attention after surrounding the American flag, brought considerably more unrest and upheaval on the UNC campus than this rally.

However, the considerable support for Dixon’s reinstatement at the rally could not be ignored.

UNC professor Michael Palm expressed his support for his suspended colleague, speaking highly of Dixon as an inspiring instructor. In addition, students voiced their support for Dixon through personal attendance at the rally and by signing petitions. Within a few days, a petition to reinstate Dixon, initiated by the UNC Young Democratic Socialists of America, had over a thousand signatures.

Representing the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), of which Palm is the president of the UNC-Chapel Hill chapter, the professor read a statement from the organization indicating that the administrative leave decision is tantamount to an attack on free speech.

Multiple representatives of UNC student organizations spoke out in favor of Dixon, criticizing what they perceive as a retreat by the UNC administration in the face of pressure from online political influencers to crack down on outspoken college professors.

Comparisons were drawn between Dixon’s situation and that of former UNC professors, such as Nikole Hannah-Jones and Larry Chavis, who ultimately left their roles on the faculty under controversial circumstances.

“The administration’s decision to suspend me has implications for everyone on campus,” Dixon said to WRAL and other media outlets regarding his suspension. “This is not about a single person; it is an issue that affects all of us. This rally is a powerful community demonstration of our shared desire for a better world. In solidarity and love, we struggle together to preserve our liberties.” 

The rally was organized by Triangle Radical Events, a group that hosts rallies throughout the region.

“We say this will not happen here,” Triangle Radical Events stated. “We rally to show the world that we’re in this fight, backing Professor Dixon and everyone else targeted by fascism. We keep us safe. All anti-racists (including UNC-affiliated individuals, alumni, and community members) are welcome. If not now, when?”

On October 2 – the day after the rally in front of the South Building in support of Dixon – the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) sent a letter to the administration at UNC-Chapel Hill calling for Dixon’s reinstatement.

On Friday, October 3, the University announced that Dixon would be reinstated as a professor at the school. In a statement, UNC said it “found no basis to conclude that he (Dixon) poses a threat to university students, staff, and faculty, or has engaged in conduct that violates university policy.”

Adam Powell has been a correspondent for The Local Reporter since 2023. A 2001 graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill, Powell has served as managing editor of multiple local publications, including the News of Orange County, the Mebane Enterprise, the Caswell Messenger, and the ACC Sports Journal. Powell has won more than 20 North Carolina Press Association Awards throughout his journalism career for Excellence in Education Reporting, Excellence in Sports Columns and Features, and Excellence in Video Production. He has also been recognized by the North Carolina School Public Relations Association (NCSPRA) for Excellence in Education Writing and for his newsletters representing Rockingham County Schools and the North Carolina Cyber Academy. The author of four books. Adam currently resides in Mebane with his wife Julie and children Colt and Jenna. This reporter can be reached at:Information@TheLocal Reporter.press