NC State’s Pride Center Assistant Director, Jae Edwards, lost his job after an anti-DEI organization, Accuracy in Media, posted an undercover video of him saying the university continues to support LGBTQ+ students despite the repeal of DEI policies on Feb. 6, 2026.
In the undated video of Edwards, he said, “We’re still able to do the things that we want to do — have these events and programs. We have to be a little more careful.”
In the edited on-screen commentary in the video, it says, “Since the university can no longer fund DEI-labeled programming, staff say their events promoting diversity are now being hosted by student organizations, which are not subjected to the ban.”
Accuracy in Media is an organization currently targeting DEI programs across American institutions, particularly colleges where DEI initiatives are prohibited. On Accuracy in Media’s website, it says, “Accuracy in Media is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit using citizen activism and undercover journalism to expose corruption, law-breaking, and public policy failures.”
Accuracy in Media often utilizes undercover cameras to gather information about employees. Accuracy in Media posts articles about the staff members surveilled, leaving a footnote urging readers to submit messages to a university’s corresponding anti-DEI organization. In the article regarding Edwards’s firing, the directory listed is NC State’s Board of Governors. The board had repealed DEI policies as of May 2024.
“We were made aware of the video on Thursday, Feb. 5,” an NC State spokesperson said to The News & Observer. “The individual seen in the video had no role in policy or compliance decisions and was not authorized to speak on behalf of the university. The staff member no longer works at the university. NC State complies with both the spirit and letter of all applicable federal and state laws and UNC System policies, and any violation is taken very seriously.”
NC State has already removed Edwards’ bio from the LGBTQ Pride Center Website. Edwards is the fourth UNC System employee to lose their job following Accuracy in Media’s work.
The Nubian Message has contacted the LGBTQ Pride Center and University Communications and is awaiting a response.
This is a developing story.
