Update: Carolina is committed to upholding the First Amendment rights of our students and student groups to engage in free expression. This is true even when we believe those instances of expression may be offensive to members of our campus community and are not aligned with the University’s efforts to nurture an environment in which students feel welcome and can thrive.
For the record, the University is not investigating any student or student group for the articles that appeared in the April 1, 2026 edition of The Daily Tar Heel or for the recent Hill After Hours video. Our April 6, 2026 statement was issued out of concern for members of our community, many of whom were clearly distressed. That statement was in no way intended to chill free speech on our campus, and we retract those portions of our message that may have suggested our students and student groups were engaged in unlawful conduct or conduct that could subject them to discipline.
We support the First Amendment rights of all students and student groups to exercise those rights unburdened by the University. As a public university, we will both uphold the core principle of free speech and care for our community at the same time. We have created a resource for our community that shares information about both: https://freespeech.unc.edu/.
Dear Carolina Community,
Recent content of both a racist and insensitive nature has had a profound impact on our Carolina students and their families, not to mention our staff and faculty.
Any content that demeans, harms or contributes to an unwelcoming environment in our campus community is completely unacceptable.
We are committed to fostering a campus where everyone can thrive. That commitment requires ongoing effort, transparency, and a willingness to confront difficult situations. University leadership is aware of recent incidents, and we recognize how deeply hurtful they have been to the well-being of our broader community.
Regarding The Daily Tar Heel (DTH) April Fools’ satirical issue, the DTH operates as a nonprofit organization legally and financially independent of the University. The articles published on April 1 were highly inappropriate and offensive. That said, the University has no authority over what they produce, even though the work is done by Carolina students in their free time. We also want to be very clear, however, that words matter and while the pieces were meant to represent satire, they were harmful and we unequivocally condemn them. They were not consistent with our values as an institution and hurtful to so many on our campus. Student Affairs will meet with DTH leadership to engage in a conversation that reinforces our values and commitment to fostering a welcoming environment for all students.
The second recognized incident is a video that was produced by a registered student organization. Student Affairs is investigating this incident to determine more information about how and by whom the video was authorized and produced as well as next steps needed to address concerns.
Students and student organizations are expected to conduct themselves in ways that respect the rights, dignity, worth, and freedom of others. Along with other members of our community, I am deeply saddened by the actions that have transpired.
In response to these incidents, the University will be holding a campuswide conversation with the senior vice provost for student success, which will be a time for all members of the campus community, including those who experienced harm, to speak directly with University leadership on ways we can best support our community. Students and members of our community can join me on Friday, April 10 in SASB North, Room 1118 from 1:30-2:30 p.m.
The University will continue to encourage people from all walks of life to see their paths to Carolina and to provide a welcoming environment that supports their success once they are here.
Sincerely,
James Orr, Ph.D.
Senior Vice Provost for Student Success