🎓 The Rise of TransparUNCy at UNC Chapel Hill

In the heart of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill), a vibrant student-led group known as TransparUNCy has emerged as a powerful force for accountability. Formed originally as the Affirmative Action Coalition in 2022 amid national debates over racial equity in admissions following Supreme Court rulings, the organization rebranded in fall 2025 to broaden its focus. Their mission is straightforward yet profound: to inform students about who controls their education, how decisions are made, and crucially, what administrators might prefer to keep hidden.

TransparUNCy operates through a 12-member committee embracing participatory democracy, drawing members from diverse backgrounds across campus. They leverage Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests—public records laws allowing citizens to access government documents—to uncover details, host teach-ins for political education, organize protests, and share findings via Instagram (@transparuncy) and a Substack newsletter. This student activism isn't just reactive; it's proactive, building networks with faculty unions like the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) and fostering a culture of informed engagement.

Faculty members have praised their efforts. Biology professor Mark Peifer follows their Instagram regularly, learning about campus power structures weekly. History professor Erik Gellman notes they outperform faculty in exposing issues through organic organizing. As UNC navigates budget pressures and policy shifts, TransparUNCy empowers students to demand transparency in higher education governance.

The Secret Classroom Recording Policy

One of TransparUNCy's most alarming revelations is the university's new policy on classroom recordings, quietly redrafted and approved in early 2026. Effective February 15, 2026, this policy prohibits students from recording classes without instructor permission but explicitly allows administrators to conduct secret recordings under certain conditions. Specifically, for investigations into alleged policy violations or "any other lawful purpose," approvals from the provost and university counsel suffice—no prior notice to the instructor required.

This stems from the 2024 case of Larry Chavis, an economics adjunct professor at the Kenan-Flagler Business School. Chavis, known for advocating Indigenous and LGBTQ+ rights and critiquing school leadership, had four classes secretly recorded via Panopto cameras due to student complaints. He was not notified and his contract was not renewed, sparking a lawsuit alleging retaliation. The policy aims to provide "procedural clarity," per UNC Media Relations, but critics fear a chilling effect on academic freedom.

Faculty Chair Beth Moracco highlighted vague conditions that could be misused, potentially stifling classroom discussions. Adjunct Ryan Tuck noted variations across schools, like free speech emphases in journalism programs. Doctoral student Erin Wright worried about graduate teaching assistants' vulnerability as at-will employees. First-year Sterling Lawson argued it undermines vital conversations in higher education. The AAUP warned of self-censorship. TransparUNCy spotlighted this opacity via social media, urging scrutiny.Inside Higher Ed details the policy concerns.

• Regular evaluations require one week's notice.
• Secret recordings need provost/general counsel sign-off.
• Students banned from unauthorized recordings, except for accessibility.
• Reports on secret requests to be tracked for oversight.

Closures of Area Studies Centers Amid Budget Cuts

In December 2025, UNC announced the closure of all six area studies research centers effective 2026, part of a $70 million budget savings plan amid constrained revenues. TransparUNCy mobilized protests, including a January 22, 2026, press conference outside the Board of Trustees (BOT) meeting with 13 speakers decrying the move. Signs read "STOP the CHOP" and "Hands off Area Studies."

The centers—Center for European Studies, African Studies Center, Carolina Asia Center, Center for Middle East and Islamic Studies, Institute for the Study of the Americas, and Center for Slavic, Eurasian and East European Studies—lost federal Title VI funding, deemed low on financial viability and external grants by a faculty advisory group. Savings projected: $7 million from 14 total centers/institutes cuts. Chancellor Lee Roberts emphasized integration into departments, denying political motives despite statewide conservative pressures on DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion).

Protesters argued closures harm global scholarship, faculty retention, student opportunities, and UNC's reputation. Political science doctoral student Bella Randle stressed attracting top talent. Outreach manager Laura Cox called it institutional self-harm. Institute director Gabriela Valdivia noted low costs ($232,261) versus $1.6 million redistributed. Faculty Council passed a supportive resolution in February 2026.Daily Tar Heel covers the rally.

Syllabi Designated as Public Records

The UNC System's December 19, 2025, policy deems all course syllabi public records under North Carolina law, effective January 15, 2026, with searchable databases by 2026-27. System President Peter Hans framed it as trust-building amid conservative-led records requests. Syllabi must be posted online, past and present.

TransparUNCy highlighted limited campus communication. While proponents see transparency benefits—like parental reviews strengthening standards—critics fear doxing of faculty teaching on race, gender, or sexuality, as seen elsewhere. No direct UNC incidents yet, but national parallels exist. Faculty must adapt syllabi for public view, balancing openness with protection.UNC Faculty Governance notification.

Other Exposures and Victories

TransparUNCy's FOIA-driven work uncovered more: a December 2024 push against an on-campus plant burning wood/plastic for emissions reduction. Their social media blitz packed a hearing, forcing UNC to withdraw the permit. They hosted teach-ins on DEI (April 2024, attended by interim chancellor), chancellor search forums, and rallies for professor Dwayne Dixon's leave challenge.

Planning an Administrative Decisions Transparency Dashboard promises real-time tracking of decisions, makers, and rationales—directly addressing opacity.

• Teach-ins build political consciousness.
• Petitions mobilize hundreds.
• Interviews with ex-officials like Provost Chris Clemens reveal conflicts.

Impact, Reactions, and Future Outlook

With thousands of Substack subscribers and Instagram reach, TransparUNCy educates broadly. Faculty succession to juniors like Zane Reed ensures continuity. Broader context: North Carolina's right-wing governance shifts, DEI scrutiny, surveillance trends.

Solutions abound: enhanced shared governance, regular town halls, digital dashboards. Students can file FOIAs, attend BOT meetings, join groups. Platforms like Rate My Professor offer feedback on teaching transparency. Aspiring educators might seek faculty jobs at accountable institutions via higher ed jobs listings.

In summary, TransparUNCy's initiative models student power. Share your campus experiences on Rate My Professor, explore higher ed jobs emphasizing governance, or check higher ed career advice. Visit university jobs for opportunities at transparent universities. Engage in comments below to amplify voices.