NC State students and the Triangle community gathered at Stafford Commons on March 11 for the “Reinstating Jae Edwards” rally at 6 p.m. Afterwards, many attendees marched toward the Student Senate meeting in support of Jae Edwards and the circumstances surrounding his termination.
Former NC State Pride Center Director Jae Edwards lost his job after 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. Edwards was fired less than 24 hours after the video’s publication, with no indication that there was an investigation by the university.
During the rally, community members expressed outrage and disappointment at NC State’s decision-making. People expressed a need for proper procedures, transparency and due process regarding termination. Queer students of NC State expressed that Edwards’ firing left them, alongside many others, both scared to speak up and scared to be themselves on a campus they originally believed was safe.
Jae Edwards touched the hearts of many people. Even those who didn’t know him stressed outrage on his behalf because of his firing’s implications for fellow NC State queer and marginalized communities as a whole.
Individuals from the rally who attended the Student Senate meeting provided testimonials on Jae Edwards and his NC State position. During the open floor comments from the student body, students were able to call for Edwards’ reinstatement.
Greyson Spells, a second-year studying agriculture education, spoke about the resolution’s importance at the Senate meeting.
“I just want to say it just sets a precedent. Not just for Jae, but for every single one of us in this room, whether you are white, brown, queer, hetero — it does not matter. Policing only climbs up, censorship only climbs up, and it seeks to choke any individual to the death who does not fall in line with its precedents. And so I just want everybody to consider where they are and who they are around and who they want to keep around. Because it’s very important that we bolster each other and stand. Because if we stand for nothing, then we fall for everything.” Spells said.
At the Student Government’s second legislation reading, there was a motion from Senator Mordecai Mengesteab, the corresponding senator and sponsor of the resolution, to move The Jae Edwards Act, Legislation No. R 140, to the top of the list.
“This resolution is primarily about due process; it’s asking for the university to provide transparency about the firing of Jae Edwards within 24 hours — no due process. Jae Edwards said he was fired without any justification. Edwards is symbolic of a larger pattern within the UNC system, several staff dismissals based on media, concern about students having those who protect them fired, recommends the university adopt a procedure for dismissal, amendments pending, further staff and faculty repairs,” Mengesteab said.
Amendments to the bill included changing terminology from “faculty” to “instructors” to ensure the protection of graduate students, and for the reinstatement clause to include that Edwards will receive full back pay for the duration of his absence. All were approved by voice vote.
The NC State Student Government calls for the reinstatement of Jae Edwards with back pay for the duration of his absence, and if reinstatement is not possible, a public detailing must be given. A copy of the resolution shall be sent to the corresponding personnel, including Chancellor Kevin Howell.
