Fairfield News: University of North Carolina System’s Excessive Spending on DEI Employees
FAIRFIELD, MT – The University of North Carolina has come under scrutiny for its expenditure of an estimated $90 million annually on 686 employees dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) across its campuses.
Key Findings:
- The UNC system, encompassing 16 campuses, houses 30 DEI-centric groups and 300 departments with DEI-focused employees.
- Official payroll records disclose 288 DEI employees, but further investigation revealed an additional 398 members on DEI committees and 80 student volunteers.
- The highest-paid DEI employee, Chief Diversity Officer Leah Cox, earned $412,800 along with benefits.
- Some employees, like Professor Moe Lim, earn substantial salaries for primary roles while also engaging in DEI responsibilities.
Recent Developments:
The UNC Board of Governors recently voted to repeal its diversity policy, signaling a shift away from DEI ideology. President Peter Hans emphasized a neutral stance on political controversies and a redirection of DEI funds towards student success initiatives.
Public Response:
Over 250 responses to an online feedback form revealed minimal support for maintaining the DEI department within UNC. The decision to reallocate funds previously designated for DEI aligns with actions taken by other public universities in Texas, Florida, and Utah.
Implications and Opportunities:
While UNC may not recover the $90 million spent on DEI annually, the reallocation of resources presents an opportunity for enhancing other academic initiatives and prioritizing student success.
Stay tuned for further updates on the evolving landscape of DEI policies and expenditures within the UNC system.