Message from Chancellor and Cabinet: UNC Equality Policy Compliance

Dear Colleagues, 

During the last month, several individuals from a self-identified media watchdog group exposing “public policy failures” have misrepresented themselves to gain privileged access to university offices and employees to record videos at UNC constituent institutions. These recently curated videos discussing the universities’ compliance with DEI-related policies have garnered state and national attention. The videos raise questions about how some employees may be communicating or representing the universities’ compliance with applicable laws and policies, particularly the UNC Equality Policy. We are aware of additional video attempts and recognize the potential for more, including one involving our campus. Considering this growing trend, we wanted to share some important reminders about employee requirements and expectations.  

As set forth in UNCW’s Ethics Policy, 02.310, faculty, staff, and administrators are committed to maintaining the highest professional standards in all academic and administrative operations and ensuring a level of accountability appropriate for a public institution. Individuals are expected to obey all federal, state, and local laws and university policies, including those from the UNC System and UNCW. The responsibility is shared across all campus constituencies, and leaders are accountable for ensuring that their areas of supervision operate in accordance with institutional expectations.   

UNCW and its employees have a long and distinguished record of compliance. Each of us plays a critical role in sustaining this culture of integrity and compliance. If you have questions about federal or state law or policy compliance obligations, please contact your vice chancellor or the UNCW Office of General Counsel at x4027 or schererj@uncw.edu. If you receive media inquiries, direct them to Andrea Weaver, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer in the Office of University Relations, at x7631 or weavera@uncw.edu. 

Sincerely yours, 

Chancellor Aswani K. Volety 
Provost James Winebrake 
Vice Chancellor Miles Lackey, Business Affairs 
Vice Chancellor Christine Reed Davis, Student Affairs 
Vice Chancellor Eddie Stuart, University Advancement 
Associate Vice Chancellor Lori Preiss, Human Resources 
General Counsel John Scherer 
Athletics Director Michael Oblinger 
Mary Sullivan, Special Assistant to the Chancellor 
Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Andrea Weaver