I write to express my strong shock and disappointment at UNC Charlotte’s firing of Ms. Janique Sanders, assistant director of the Leadership & Community Engagement (LCE) office, on May 28, 2025, after the extremist organization Accuracy in Media released hidden camera footage of her discussing UNC Charlotte’s DEI policy. The UNC Charlotte AAUP has strongly condemned this harassment of staff and this firing.

This was a political firing rife with a lack of due process and transparency. Not only was Ms. Sanders dismissed within a matter of hours, nothing seems to have been done to investigate the matter and discern whether the video released was truthful, accurate, or represented good-faith journalism. Further, the university also failed to address how a UNC Charlotte administrator, provost Jennifer Troyer, also faced harassment and bullying treatment in the same video released by Accuracy in Media.

The university’s handling of this entire incident is dangerous, and has been a breach of trust between administration and the campus community. By opening the door for further attacks, it compromises the student learning environment, especially in a state where only one party needs to provide consent in recording a conversation. University employees are especially vulnerable to unprofessional media attacks such as those waged by Accuracy in Media–which recently targeted not only UNC-Charlotte, but also UNC-Asheville, Western Carolina University, and UNC-Wilmington. At Wilmington, rather than firing the personnel in question, university administration instead opted to investigate the matter further.

Further, the university’s response is shameful and erodes public trust. As a public-serving institution, UNC Charlotte stands as a bastion of civic values, city leadership, with a stated mission of community engagement and proud support of its diverse student body. Public comments on media coverage of Ms. Sanders’ firing testify to her longstanding commitment and dedication to students at the university, and reveal widespread anger and dismay shared by alumni, parents, students, and members of the public alike at the university’s actions.

I ask that you acknowledge that Ms. Sanders’ firing was politically motivated. In the future, I would like reassurance that due process is followed. Please take measures to rebuild trust between the administration, faculty, staff, students, and the community. Renew your commitment to free speech. Defend employees, students, and the university’s mission to serve its commitment to truth and the public good.

Sincerely,