Latest news with #MeganPugh
Daily Mail
29-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Woke university administrators FIRED after hidden videos revealed secret plot to destroy Trump's most cherished wish
Several college administrators in the UNC school system have been fired after they were secretly recorded saying they were still trying to implement DEI policies. Accuracy in Media, a non-profit which describes itself as using 'citizen activism to expose corruption and law-breaking', covertly filmed conversations with several North Carolina school employees which led to them losing their jobs. President Donald Trump set to work dismantling DEI initiatives from federally-funded programs through a series of executive orders during his first weeks back in office. The aggressive crackdown meant universities were asked to select students for admission based on their academic credentials rather than fulfilling diversity, equality and inclusion quotas. UNC Asheville Dean of Students Megan Pugh was caught on tape saying administrators 'probably still do' implement DEI policies anyway but in a 'quiet' way, adding: 'I love breaking the rules'. Several other administrators in the state were also seen on camera echoing the same sentiment. Some of those taped lost their jobs as a result. 'I'm so glad that you guys are still doing equity work,' the undercover reporter told Pugh on a Zoom call captured in one video. 'I mean, we probably still do anyway, but you know, gotta keep it quiet,' Pugh replied. When the reporter asked if she had to 'keep it on the down-low?', Pugh said: 'Yeah. But, I love breaking rules.' She went on to say that administrators would keep pushing DEI policies, 'until more or less, they get mad at us.' Pugh also agreed that the school was 'supportive' of secretly continuing with DEI rules, adding that her 'hope and intention' was that 'we can still incorporate those kinds of things but under a broader banner'. She was later fired by the college, according to ABC11. Assistant Director of Leadership and Community Engagement at UNC Charlotte, Janique Sanders, was also caught on video echoing the same sentiment. 'If you are looking for an outward DEI position, not gunna happen,' she told the undercover reporter, without knowing she was being filmed. 'But if you are interested in doing work that is covert, there are opportunities.' When asked whether equity work was still happening on campus, Sanders said: 'I can't say that, but... we've recalibrated, so to speak.' 'I'm just really dedicated to making sure that our students feel loved and supported,' she added. 'I could care less about whatever you want to call our office.' Sanders is 'no longer employed' by the institution, according to Yahoo. UNC Wilmington employees Asher Persin and Ashlee Fleming were also recorded in similar interactions. Persin, who is a coordinator at the school's Mohin Scholz LGBTQIA Centerconfirmed that some staff were still working on DEI policies. Meanwhile, Upperman African American Cultural Center coordinator Fleming said DEI was still being funded but money had been 'moved around'. The Daily Mail has contacted UNC press offices for comment. Asher Persin, who is a coordinator at the school's Mohin Scholz LGBTQIA Center, confirmed in one Accuracy in Media video that some staff were still working on DEI policies Trump began his second term in the White House with a bonfire of DEI policies which the government said have been pushing antisemitic, anti-American, Marxist and 'radical left' ideologies. In May, the Justice Department announced the formation of a new unit to crack down on federally-funded universities that have diversity, equity and inclusion policies using a civil anti-fraud law. 'A university that accepts federal funds could violate the False Claims Act when it encourages antisemitism, refuses to protect Jewish students, allows men to intrude into women's bathrooms or requires women to compete against men in athletic competitions,' Deputy Attorney Todd Blanche said in the announcement. 'Colleges and universities cannot accept federal funds while discriminating against their students.' The False Claims Act is a federal civil law that allows the government to recover funds lost due to fraud. Private citizens can also use it to sue on the government's behalf and can become eligible to receive a portion of the recovered proceeds.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Opinion - The ‘Trump did it' defense: Colleges' and companies' new excuse to roll back wokeness
'Trump made me do it.' Across the country, this is a virtual mantra being mouthed everywhere from businesses to higher education. Corporations are eliminating woke programs. Why? Trump did it. Universities are eliminating DEI offices and cracking down on campus extremism. Trump did it. Democratic politicians are abandoning far-left policies. Trump did it. For those who lack both courage or conviction, the claim of coercion is often the next best thing. The 'TDI defense' is born. Of course, they did not invent Trump, but they needed him. For years, schools like Harvard and Columbia ignored warnings about the rising antisemitism on campuses. They refused to punish students engaged in criminal conduct, including occupying and trashing buildings. These administrators did not want to risk being tagged by the far-left mob for taking meaningful action. Then the election occurred, and suddenly they were able to blame Trump for doing what they should have been doing all along. Administrators are now cracking down on extreme elements on campuses. At the same time, hundreds of schools are closing DEI offices around the country. Again, most are not challenging the Trump administration's orders on DEI or seeking to adopt more limited responses. They are all in with the move, while professing that they have little choice. In other words, schools are increasingly turning to TDI to end DEI. The legal landscape has changed with an administration committed to opposing many DEI programs as discriminatory and unlawful. However, it is the speed and general lack of resistance that is so notable. In most cases, the Trump administration did not have to ask twice. Trump seemed to 'have them at hello,' as if they were longing for a reason to reverse these trends. Many will continue to fight this fight surreptitiously. For example, shortly before the Trump election, the University of North Carolina System Board of Governors voted to ban DEI and focus on 'institutional neutrality.' Yet, even Administrators emboldened by the TDI defense are finding resistance in their ranks. For example, UNC Asheville Dean of Students Megan Pugh was caught on videotape, saying that eliminating these offices means nothing: 'I mean we probably still do anyway… but you gotta keep it quiet.' She added, 'I love breaking rules.' The Board, perhaps not feeling the same thrill, reportedly responded by firing her. The same pattern is playing out in businesses. Over the last few weeks, companies ranging from Amazon to IBM have removed references to DEI programs or policies. Bank of America explained, 'We evaluate and adjust our programs in light of new laws, court decisions, and, more recently, executive orders from the new administration.' Once established, these DEI offices tended to expand as an irresistible force within their institutions and companies. Full-time diversity experts demanded additional hirings and policies on hiring, promotion, and public campaigns. Since these experts were tasked with finding areas for 'reform,' their proposals were treated as extensions of that mandate. To oppose the reforms was to oppose the cause. While some executives and administrators supported such efforts, others simply lacked the courage to oppose them. No one wanted to be accused of being opposed to 'equity' or being racist, sexist, or homophobic. The results were continually expanding programs impacting every level of businesses and institutions. Then Trump showed up. Suddenly, these executives and administrators had an excuse to reverse this trend. They could also rely on court decisions that have undermined longstanding claims of advocates that favoring certain groups at the expense of others was entirely lawful. This week, the Supreme Court added to these cases with its unanimous ruling in Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services, to remove impediments to lawsuits by members of majority groups who are discriminated against. For many years, lower courts have required members of majority groups (white, male, or heterosexual) to shoulder an added burden before they could establish claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. In a decision written by Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the court rejected that additional burden and ordered that everyone must be treated similarly under the law. Many commentators noted that the ruling further undermined the rationales for disparate treatment based on race or other criteria within DEI. In other words, more of these programs are likely to be the subject of federal investigations and lawsuits. Of course, if these executives and administrators were truly committed to the programs in principle, they could resolve to fight in the courts. The alternative is just to blame Trump and restore prior policies that enforce federal standards against all discriminatory or preferred treatment given to employees based on race, sex, religion, or other classifications. Former Vice President Hubert Humphrey once observed that 'to err is human. To blame someone else is politics.' That is evident among politicians. For years, many moderate Democrats voted to support far-left agendas during the Biden administration, lacking the courage or principles to oppose the radical wing of the Democratic Party. Now, some are coming forward to say that the party has 'lost touch with voters.' Rather than admit that their years of supporting these policies were wrong, they blame Trump and argue that the party must move toward the center to survive. The calculus is simple: You never act on principle when you can blame a villain instead. It is not a profile of courage but one of simple convenience. No need for admissions or responsibility — just TDI and done. Jonathan Turley is the Shapiro Professor of Public Interest Law at George Washington University and the author of 'The Indispensable Right: Free Speech in an Age of Rage.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
07-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
The ‘Trump did it' defense: Colleges' and companies' new excuse to roll back wokeness
'Trump made me do it.' Across the country, this is a virtual mantra being mouthed everywhere from businesses to higher education. Corporations are eliminating woke programs. Why? Trump did it. Universities are eliminating DEI offices and cracking down on campus extremism. Trump did it. Democratic politicians are abandoning far-left policies. Trump did it. For those who lack both courage or conviction, the claim of coercion is often the next best thing. The 'TDI defense' is born. They did not invent Trump, but they needed him. For years, schools like Harvard and Columbia ignored warnings about the rising antisemitism on campuses. They refused to punish students engaged in criminal conduct, including occupying and trashing buildings. These administrators did not want to risk being tagged by the far-left mob for taking meaningful action. Then the election occurred, and suddenly they were able to blame Trump for doing what they should have been doing all along. Administrators are now cracking down on extreme elements on campuses. At the same time, hundreds of schools are closing DEI offices around the country. Again, most are not challenging the Trump administration's orders on DEI or seeking to adopt more limited responses. They are all in with the move, while professing that they have little choice. In other words, schools are increasingly turning to TDI to end DEI. The legal landscape has changed with an administration committed to opposing many DEI programs as discriminatory and unlawful. However, it is the speed and general lack of resistance that is so notable. In most cases, the Trump administration did not have to ask twice. Trump seemed to 'have them at hello,' as if they were longing for a reason to reverse these trends. Many will continue to fight this fight surreptitiously. For example, shortly before the Trump election, the University of North Carolina System Board of Governors voted to ban DEI and focus on 'institutional neutrality.' But then UNC Asheville Dean of Students Megan Pugh was caught on videotape, saying that eliminating these offices means nothing: 'I mean we probably still do anyway… but you gotta keep it quiet.' She added, 'I love breaking rules.' The Board, perhaps not feeling the same thrill, reportedly responded by firing her. However, Pugh's approach to rules in general has long been followed by college administrators. After the Supreme Court declared that universities like Harvard and UNC were engaging in racial discrimination in admissions, some schools set out to eliminate the overt uses of race while seeking to achieve the same results covertly. The same pattern is playing out in businesses. Over the last few weeks, companies ranging from Amazon to IBM have removed references to DEI programs or policies. Bank of America explained, 'We evaluate and adjust our programs in light of new laws, court decisions, and, more recently, executive orders from the new administration.' Once established, these DEI offices tended to expand as an irresistible force within their institutions and companies. Full-time diversity experts demanded additional hirings and policies on hiring, promotion, and public campaigns. Since these experts were tasked with finding areas for 'reform,' their proposals were treated as extensions of that mandate. To oppose the reforms was to oppose the cause. While some executives and administrators supported such efforts, others simply lacked the courage to oppose them. No one wanted to be accused of being opposed to 'equity' or being racist, sexist, or homophobic. The results were continually expanding programs impacting every level of businesses and institutions. Then Trump showed up. Suddenly, these executives and administrators had an excuse to reverse this trend. They could also rely on court decisions that have undermined longstanding claims of advocates that favoring certain groups at the expense of others was entirely lawful. This week, the Supreme Court added to these cases with its unanimous ruling in Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services, to remove impediments to lawsuits by members of majorities who are discriminated against. For many years, lower courts have required members of majority groups (white, male, or heterosexual) to shoulder an added burden before they could establish claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. In a decision written by Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the court rejected that additional burden and ordered that everyone must be treated similarly under the law. Many commentators noted that the ruling further undermined the rationales for disparate treatment based on race or other criteria within DEI. In other words, more of these programs are likely to be the subject of federal investigations and lawsuits. Of course, if these executives and administrators were truly committed to the programs in principle, they could resolve to fight in the courts. The alternative is just to blame Trump and restore prior policies that enforce federal standards against all discriminatory or preferred treatment given to employees based on race, sex, religion, or other classifications. Former Vice President Hubert Humphrey once observed that 'to err is human. To blame someone else is politics.' That is evident among politicians. For years, many moderate Democrats voted to support far-left agendas during the Biden administration, lacking the courage or principles to oppose the radical wing of the Democratic Party. Now, some are coming forward to say that the party has 'lost touch with voters.' Rather than admit that their years of supporting these policies were wrong, they blame Trump and argue that the party must move toward the center to survive. The calculus is simple: You never act on principle when you can blame a villain instead. It is not a profile of courage but one of simple convenience. No need for admissions or responsibility — just TDI and done. Jonathan Turley is the Shapiro Professor of Public Interest Law at George Washington University and the author of 'The Indispensable Right: Free Speech in an Age of Rage.'
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
'Love breaking rules': Red state dean ousted after admitting on hidden cam she was secretly pushing DEI
FIRST ON FOX: Newly released undercover video shows a university administrator in North Carolina boasting about DEI efforts still taking place at the school despite state and federal efforts to roll back the policies, prompting the school to sever ties with that employee. "I mean we probably still do anyway… but you gotta keep it quiet," UNC Asheville Dean of Students Megan Pugh tells an undercover journalist in a video released by Accuracy In Media and exclusively obtained by Fox News Digital, after being praised for continuing to do "equity work" at the school. "Keep it on the down low?" the journalist responds, to which Pugh says, "Yeah." "But, I love breaking rules," Pugh then says. 'Bureaucratic And Wasteful': Doge Sniffs Out Eye-popping Spending On Biden Dei Efforts In Key Agency Pugh's comments come a year after the University of North Carolina System Board of Governors voted to essentially ban DEI and focus on "institutional neutrality," Carolina Journal reported. Read On The Fox News App The Accuracy in Media video captures Pugh saying "M'hm" when asked if "breaking rules" is "why y'all kind of spread it out and stuff?" "Well, yes, and no," Pugh clarifies. "Part of it is that, part of it is just because we don't have a dedicated office for it anymore, it's easier to maintain." Pugh continues, "Until more or less they get mad at us, but they haven't done it yet." When asked if the school was "supportive" of the ways DEI is still being implemented, Pugh says, "M'hm" and answers in the affirmative. The undercover investigator asks Pugh about "implicit bias training" and Pugh explains that they haven't taught that since the "spring" because the school administrators have been specifically opposed to that in a way that "I don't enjoy." Red State Treasurer Reveals Why State Financial Officers Have 'Obligation' To Combat Esg, Dei Despite that, Pugh explains her openness and "intention" to implement that sort of training under a "broader banner." "Just maybe being creative," the undercover investigator says. "Yeah, exactly," Pugh, whose profile on the school website uses the pronouns "she/her," responds. In response to a Fox News Digital inquiry about the video, a UNC Asheville spokesperson said the school is "aware of a video in which an employee makes comments implying that the University does not comply with UNC System policies or legal requirements and supports employees disregarding such obligations." "These remarks do not represent the practices of UNC Asheville. The University remains firmly committed to upholding all UNC System policies as well as federal and state laws, both in principle and in practice." The university added that after a "prompt review of the matter" the "individual is no longer employed by the university." "The University will undertake a comprehensive review to reinforce expectations and ensure all employees are aligned with applicable laws and policies." University Doctor Resigns After Unearthed Audio Exposes Him Boasting About Skirting Anti-dei Laws GOP Congresswoman Virginia Foxx, who represents North Carolina's 5th Congressional District, expressed concern about the video in a statement to Fox News Digital. "The UNC System has made a good faith effort to get rid of DEI, but obviously the word has not reached the ears of UNC Asheville's administration," Foxx said. "Dean Pugh is a picture-perfect example of how entrenched this caustic ideology really is within postsecondary education. It's time to clean house at the university level and cast out personnel who believe they can act with blatant impunity." In addition to North Carolina making moves to roll back DEI, which have seemingly been unsuccessful, the Trump administration has made efforts to roll back DEI on the federal level and tell universities that accept federal funding that they must stop promoting the agenda. "It's abundantly clear that the Marxist principles associated with DEI are fully embedded into this university," Accuracy in Media President Adam Guillette told Fox News Digital. "Removing one employee is merely the first step toward reform." "Resolving the institutionalized radicalism at UNC-Asheville will require new leadership at the university level and bold reform from the Board of Governors," he continued. Will Hild, executive director of Consumers' Research, told Fox News Digital earlier this year that companies and organizations are working hard to rebrand DEI policies by giving them new names. "It is the exact same toxic nonsense under a new wrapper, and they're just hoping to extend the grift because a lot of these people, I would say most of the people working in DEI, are useless," Hild article source: 'Love breaking rules': Red state dean ousted after admitting on hidden cam she was secretly pushing DEI
Fox News
03-06-2025
- General
- Fox News
'Love breaking the rules': Red state dean ousted after admitting on hidden cam she was secretly pushing DEI
FIRST ON FOX: Newly released undercover video shows a university administrator in North Carolina boasting about DEI efforts still taking place at the school despite state and federal efforts to roll back the policies, prompting the school to sever ties with that employee. "I mean we probably still do anyway… but you gotta keep it quiet," UNC Asheville Dean of Students Megan Pugh tells an undercover journalist in a video released by Accuracy In Media and exclusively obtained by Fox News Digital, after being praised for continuing to do "equity work" at the school. "Keep it on the down low?" the journalist responds, to which Pugh says, "Yeah." "But, I love breaking rules," Pugh then says. Pugh's comments come a year after the University of North Carolina System Board of Governors voted to essentially ban DEI and focus on "institutional neutrality," Carolina Journal reported. The Accuracy in Media video captures Pugh saying "M'hm" when asked if "breaking rules" is "why y'all kind of spread it out and stuff?" "Well, yes, and no," Pugh clarifies. "Part of it is that, part of it is just because we don't have a dedicated office for it anymore, it's easier to maintain." Pugh continues, "Until more or less they get mad at us, but they haven't done it yet." When asked if the school was "supportive" of the ways DEI is still being implemented, Pugh says, "M'hm" and answers in the affirmative. The undercover investigator asks Pugh about "implicit bias training" and Pugh explains that they haven't taught that since the "spring" because the school administrators have been specifically opposed to that in a way that "I don't enjoy." Despite that, Pugh explains her openness and "intention" to implement that sort of training under a "broader banner." "Just maybe being creative," the undercover investigator says. "Yeah, exactly," Pugh, whose profile on the school website uses the pronouns "she/her," responds. In response to a Fox News Digital inquiry about the video, a UNC Asheville spokesperson said the school is "aware of a video in which an employee makes comments implying that the University does not comply with UNC System policies or legal requirements and supports employees disregarding such obligations." "These remarks do not represent the practices of UNC Asheville. The University remains firmly committed to upholding all UNC System policies as well as federal and state laws, both in principle and in practice." The university added that after a "prompt review of the matter" the "individual is no longer employed by the university." "The University will undertake a comprehensive review to reinforce expectations and ensure all employees are aligned with applicable laws and policies." GOP Congresswoman Virginia Foxx, who represents North Carolina's 5th Congressional District, expressed concern about the video in a statement to Fox News Digital. "The UNC System has made a good faith effort to get rid of DEI, but obviously the word has not reached the ears of UNC Asheville's administration," Foxx said. "Dean Pugh is a picture-perfect example of how entrenched this caustic ideology really is within postsecondary education. It's time to clean house at the university level and cast out personnel who believe they can act with blatant impunity." In addition to North Carolina making moves to roll back DEI, which have seemingly been unsuccessful, the Trump administration has made efforts to roll back DEI on the federal level and tell universities that accept federal funding that they must stop promoting the agenda. "It's abundantly clear that the Marxist principles associated with DEI are fully embedded into this university," Accuracy in Media President Adam Guillette told Fox News Digital. "Removing one employee is merely the first step toward reform." "Resolving the institutionalized radicalism at UNC-Asheville will require new leadership at the university level and bold reform from the Board of Governors," he continued. Will Hild, executive director of Consumers' Research, told Fox News Digital earlier this year that companies and organizations are working hard to rebrand DEI policies by giving them new names. "It is the exact same toxic nonsense under a new wrapper, and they're just hoping to extend the grift because a lot of these people, I would say most of the people working in DEI, are useless," Hild said.
