University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill professor Dwayne Dixon has been reinstated after the university placed him on leave on September 29, following reports that Dixon was involved in antifascist organizing through a now-disbanded group.
Dixon’s removal from the classroom drew criticism from the UNC and Chapel Hill communities, as well as from the ACLU of North Carolina, which demanded that UNC reinstate Dixon by 5 p.m. Friday, October 3 or it would take legal action on Dixon’s behalf. The ACLU’s letter said Dixon’s treatment was a blatant violation of the First Amendment and Fourth Circuit precedent.
Dean Stoyer, UNC’s vice chancellor for communications and marketing, said in a statement that Dixon was reinstated because the university had concluded a “thorough threat assessment,” including security and local law enforcement in its investigation.
“We have found no basis to conclude that he poses a threat to University students, staff, and faculty, or has engaged in conduct that violates University policy,” the statement reads. “The University continues to reaffirm its commitment to rigorous debate, respectful engagement, and open dialogue in support of free speech, while fulfilling our responsibility to protect the physical safety of the Carolina community.”
Dixon, a professor of Asian and Middle Eastern studies, was formerly a member of an “anti-fascist, anti-racist community defense formation” called Redneck Revolt and has previously been charged with bringing a rifle to a rally in downtown Durham. The charge was dropped, and Redneck Revolt’s website says it has been disbanded since 2019.
In a statement to the INDY, Dixon confirmed that he was reinstated earlier today and thanked community members who stood up against his removal.
“The actions of UNC’s leaders betray what I had believed to be shared values in the best traditions of this institution,” Dixon said. “The actions of the administration signal to faculty and students alike that we should think with trepidation and speak with fear, lest some unnamed accusers target us for administrative discipline, or with threats, or worse. I will not be intimidated. With the solidarity and help of so many, I wish to enact another possibility: one of vibrant, conscientious, ethical engagement, without fear of reprisal or silencing.”
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