UNCW Chancellor addresses campus tensions, safety following spirit rock controversy
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — UNC Wilmington Chancellor Aswani Volety is urging civil discourse and healing following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and the events that have followed at UNCW in its wake.
In a statement released Thursday, Volety described the loss as “a watershed moment for our country,” offering condolences to Kirk’s family, friends, and supporters. He noted that more than 1,500 students and community members attended a Turning Point USA–hosted memorial on Monday at UNCW, calling it “a moving, peaceful and meaningful tribute.”
But the Chancellor said he has been “profoundly disappointed” by tensions and conflicts on campus in the days since, warning that confrontations over political beliefs betray what the campus represents. “I have watched video of the incident and, quite frankly, I am appalled. When passion overrides compassion, when we confront people for their beliefs rather than engage their ideas, we betray everything our university represents. Our campus should be where minds meet and grow, not where hearts are hardened.” Volety wrote.
The statement comes after WWAY previously reported on a series of campus flashpoints, including controversy at UNCW’s Spirit Rock, which has long served as a platform for free expression but has also drawn scrutiny when someone painted over the memorial for Kirk, a few hours after it was initially created. A school spokesperson said students are asked not to paint any new artwork on the rock for at least 24 hours out of courtesy, but no policy requires it.
WWAY also reported that doxxing concerns have risen in recent days, with some students’ personal information being posted online after they shared opinions about Kirk or the Spirit Rock. Threats against a handful of students and UNCW staff were also made on social media. Volety said those “online challenges” to campus safety are being taken just as seriously as physical threats, noting that harassment and intimidation jeopardize both safety and the ability to freely learn.
Volety emphasized that UNCW Police are maintaining a full, round-the-clock presence on campus.
“Student and employee safety is our paramount concern,” he said. “If it is determined that state or federal laws were broken, we will cooperate fully with the prosecution of those law breakers as determined by the law enforcement authorities.”
Volety called on students and staff to “be part of healing, not harm,” urging them to listen before speaking, think before posting, and treat others with respect. He said the university community must use the same intellectual courage students bring to their coursework when engaging in political disagreements.
“All eyes are watching how we handle this moment of accountability,” he wrote. “Seahawks, we can — we must — soar together to meet this challenge.”
WWAY reached out the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. A spokesperson said the SBI is aware of posts threatening students and staff and is monitoring the situation.
