Executive Records

Executive Statements and Press Releases

Executive Statement – 09/06/24

Since addressing the incoming class at convocation, I’ve sensed an absence that has weighed heavily on my mind. The recent Supreme Court decision on Affirmative Action was expected to influence our admissions process, but just how stark and immediate the impact has become clear with the release of the new admissions data.

My concerns were confirmed after speaking at the Black Student Movement convocation, where the decrease in Black student presence was painfully clear.

The truth is, many are quick to downplay the real effects of these policy shifts, dismissing their significance. But what we’re witnessing is the direct consequence of the Supreme Court’s decision and the removal of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives at the system-wide level.

I am committed to ensuring that the experiences and well-being of minority students remain a priority. Before the dismantling of DEI, UNC’s Diversity and Inclusion office worked tirelessly to address these very issues. That mission is still critical—and I will not allow it to be sidelined.

I will continue to collaborate with the Office of Admissions and other key stakeholders to explore targeted outreach programs and seek ways to protect and uplift our community. I’m committed to keeping you informed and sharing any progress as we move forward together.

Jaleah Taylor

UNC Student Body President

 

Executive Statement – 07/25/24

Since the founding of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1789, students have been responsible for upholding the Honor Code and maintaining standards of good conduct. This history began with the deference shown to student groups’ disciplinary practices by university administration in the early 19th Century, extended to the establishment of the Student Council in 1904, and evolved into the Honor System we now know today. The principle of student self governance has served as the backbone of student-administration relations for as long as either has existed in Chapel Hill.

The move to rescind the delegated authority over student conduct betrays more than two centuries of independent investigation of Honor Code violations. A centuries-long tradition of student empowerment must not end with the unilateral decree of the administration. Student voices must be considered in all deliberations on the alteration of delegated authorities and a dangerous precedent is established when students are not consulted. The Student Constitution and the Instrument of Student Judicial Governance lay out clear procedures for amendment with the approval of administration, faculty, and the student body. Any good faith engagement with students must involve this process.

Placing power over student conduct in the hands of administrators only serves to further the divide between students and administration, as the clear transparency that has existed with the student-led Honor System will no longer exist. Students will no longer be able to develop the leadership skills to regulate their own actions as many prepare for lives of public service. Student Government is known for producing influential and independent thinkers throughout state government, valuable voices that we would not have if the independent student judiciary is abolished in its current form.

We, the members of Student Government, are deeply troubled by this profound policy change and implore the implementation of a robust student-led system that Carolina is known for. We are ready to engage productively on ways to make Student Conduct work in a way that maintains Carolina’s long tradition of student self governance. As the official representatives of our peers, we seek to engage in good-faith collaboration with the individuals implementing this decision and hope this University’s administration will strive to do the same.

Signatories:

Jaleah Taylor

Student Body President

Christopher Williams

Undergraduate Vice President

Andrew Forbes

Undergraduate Treasurer

Nigel Parker

Undergraduate Chief of Cabinet

Jakob Williams

Undergraduate Secretary

Katherine Fiore

Undergraduate Finance and Appropriations Chair

Jennie Lin

Undergraduate Speaker Pro Tempore

Katie Heath

GPSG President

Erica Li

GPSG VP of Finance

Winston Ardoin

GPSG Director of Community Engagement

Elaine Reiche

GPSG VP of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs

De’Ivyion Drew

GPSG VP of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Bex Nelson

GPSG Chief of Staff

 

Executive Statement – 04/30/24

Throughout history, the right to protest has been a beacon of societal transformation woven into America’s foundation and progress at Carolina. Demonstrators embodying this legacy stood with resolve at Polk Place demanding the University disclose their investments and divest those that are connected to the Israeli government.

This morning, I was dismayed that our campus was met with the unsettling presence of sirens, helicopters, and heavily armed law enforcement. The encampment was in violation of university policy, but make no mistake, this morning’s actions are a result of the voices of Students for Justice in Palestine not being prioritized in our community.

University leaders must address the genocide in Gaza and how it is affecting our campus community. We cannot continue to ignore Palestinian voices and humanity. Let us remember that we are a University that should value diversity and must listen to all students.

The Executive Council is meeting with Interim Chancellor Roberts today, and I will continue to advocate for the safety and well being of all students. My heart goes out to the students, faculty, and families impacted by today’s actions, and I feel a profound sympathy for students arrested today.

Jaleah Taylor

UNC Student Body President

 

Executive Statement – 04/25/24

The Undergraduate Executive Council issues this statement with deep concern and frustration over the recent developments concerning Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives within our university system.

In a university setting, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives aim to create a more rich and diverse student body, foster a culture of equal opportunity and success, and promote an inclusive environment where every member belongs regardless of their background, identity, or experiences.

On April 17th, the UNC’s System Board of Governors voted to consider removing DEI initiatives across the entire University of North Carolina System. This was a last-minute addition to the BoG Committee on University Governance meeting, and the decision was made with no public discussion on the matter. The new Equality Within the University of North Carolina policy, which is meant to replace the current DEI policy, would dismantle several key safeguards that are designed to uphold the rights and support mechanisms that are essential for underrepresented students. This policy would mandate every UNC System school cut funding and potentially eliminate jobs dedicated to DEI initiatives and reallocate those funds “to initiatives related to student success and wellbeing.” These vital aspects of our community that would be removed are the very kinds of initiatives that that have been promoting student success and wellbeing for years. In fact, it is their lack of funding and institutional respect that has historically inhibited their ability to do so to the best of their ability. The values at the core of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion on college campuses should not be partisan issues. These fundamental values of community, equal access, and belonging have been co-opted and misrepresented by members of our Board of Governors and Board of Trustees in a manner that is unacceptable.