The UNC System Equality Policy
The UNC System Board of Governors repealed and replaced Sections 300.8.5 of the UNC Policy Manual, Policy on Diversity and Inclusion Within the University of North Carolina, and 300.8.5[R], Regulation on Diversity and Inclusion Within the University of North Carolina to “reaffirm the University’s commitment to nondiscrimination, equality of opportunity, institutional neutrality, academic freedom, and student success.” It replaced the diversity policy with a new policy, also cited at Section 300.8.5 of the UNC Policy Manual, Equality Within the University of North Carolina.
The Equality Policy affirms six main points that impact both students and employees:
(1) Nondiscrimination;
(2) Equality of all persons and viewpoints;
(3) Free speech and expression;
(4) Academic freedom;
(5) Student success and employee wellbeing, and
(6) Institutional neutrality.
North Carolina A&T and all UNC System institutions must certify compliance with the policy by September 1 annually. Annual certifications are public documents and can be found on this website and on the UNC System website.
The UNC System office issued Guidance Regarding Equality Policy for interpreting and implementing the Equality Policy on June 28, 2024. The Board of Governors Memorandum to Board of Trustees Chairs, Directives to Boards of Trustees Regarding September 1, 2025 Equality Policy Certification, June 17, 2025 provided further guidance. It previously issued UNC System Guidance Regarding Implementation of Policy Against Compelled Speech on March 17, 2023.
For more information on the Equality Within the University of North Carolina policy, please see these Questions and Answers (Q&As).
Campus Free Speech Policy
The First Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article I, § 14 of the North Carolina Constitution guarantee the right to free speech. The First Amendment allows us to speak, write, publish, create, exchange ideas, and apply knowledge without fear of censorship or punishment from the government. In addition to the State Constitution, the North Carolina General Assembly also passed laws to protect campus free speech. Article 36 of N.C. Gen. Stat. Ch. 116 addresses free speech on college campuses in the state. The UNC Board of Governors adopted UNC Policy 1300.8, Policy on Free Speech and Free Expression Within the University of North Carolina System and policies and guidance involving speech on the campuses of the UNC System’s constituent institutions.
As a public land-grant institution, North Carolina A&T State University embraces its role in promoting and supporting the First Amendment and values the legal protections it offers for free expression, inquiry, and thought – all foundational to our mission of preparing students to advance the human condition and facilitate economic growth in North Carolina and beyond. As a bedrock principle of our democratic society, NC A&T fully supports the fundamental right of free speech, including speech that tests the limits of our tolerance. For more information on the Free Speech at NC A&T, please see these Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University’s Equality Policy Annual Certification and Report, 2024
