A hidden-camera video captured UNC Asheville’s Dean of Students, Megan Pugh, admitting she continued to promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts despite official bans—boasting, “I love breaking rules.” The footage, released by Accuracy in Media and shared by Corey DeAngelis, led the university to terminate her employment on June 3, 2025.
In the video, Pugh acknowledged defying the UNC Board of Governors’ prohibition on implicit-bias training and DEI offices. She admitted to continuing “equity work” under a “broader banner,” even delaying implementation until detection remained unlikely. “We gotta keep it quiet… I love breaking rules,” she said. UNC Asheville declared the remarks misaligned with UNC System policies; following a prompt review, the university confirmed Pugh is “no longer employed”.
This incident follows a similar undercover exposé at UNC Charlotte, where another administrator was also dismissed for covertly advancing DEI initiatives. UNC Asheville has launched a comprehensive review to strengthen policy compliance and ensure administrators align with legal and board directives
