NC State Centers Thrive Despite Ban, Firing

0:00North Carolina State University kept its four identity-based student centers running after the UNC system banned diversity initiatives back in 20, 24. Places like the Women Center, Pride Center, Multicultural Student Affairs, and African American Cultural Center shifted from group-specific advocacy. To boosting success for every student on campus, no matter their background, staff there now navigate strict rules on language and events to stay compliant. They ditched programs like the Council on the Status of Women in Identity Housing but repurposed centers to welcome everyone, A. Drop ins for straight students or multicultural events on intellectual disabilities. Tensions boiled over with the firing of J. Edwards, Assistant Director at the Pride Center. He got caught on a hidden video talking about hosting uplifting events while skirting policy edges and NC State let him go fast, citing position cuts. With no real explanation or process, even so, data shows the center's thriving, student

1:01attendance jumped 40% from fall, 2024 to 2025, Pride offerings. Nearly doubled and hangout time spiked 68%. Leaders updated job guides to celebrate identities without pushing agendas. Students and faculty fired back with resolutions demanding transparency on firings and protections from outside pressure. While student government steps up to fill support gaps, staff still walk that thin line between compliance and their passion for kids, keeping these spots as key campus lifelines amid the changes. Local news, powered by AI. This is Durham News Today. I'm Corey with The Story.