UNCW pausing Razor Walker Awards following year of controversy
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — An award that’s been given for nearly three decades at UNCW is taking a pause next year.
In an announcement on Monday morning, the university shared the Razor Walker Awards will pause for the 2024 award cycle.
“Based on collective input from WCE faculty and staff, as well as the Chancellor’s Cabinet, we have decided to take time to review and potentially reimagine the award’s processes and procedures,” a statement from the university reads.
The Razor Walker Award is presented by the Watson College of Education. It’s given to four people or organizations for their commitment to the state’s children. Like its namesake, the recipients are “walking the razor’s edge” on behalf of kids and their families.
A committee composed of faculty, staff, and other stakeholders to review the awards should be in place by the spring semester.
This year, the awards faced backlash after Senator Michael Lee was selected as a recipient for his involvement in the construction of the Isaac Bear Early College Facility on UNCW’s campus.
Students protested outside the Burney Center while Lee, other recipients, and university leaders were inside during the ceremony. Several faculty members and others attending the ceremony showed their discontent by walking out when Lee was presented the award.
Protestors disapproved of Lee receiving the award because of his support of the “Parent’s Bill of Rights,” which opponents referred to as North Carolina’s version of the “Don’t Say Gay Bill” because they believed it to be harmful for LGBTQ youth.
Dr. Van Dempsey was the dean of the Watson College of Education at the time the award was presented on April 25.
Shortly after the ceremony, Dempsey spoke to a media outlet about how Senator Lee became one of the recipients. The article was published on June 8. Less than three weeks later, the university announced Dempsey would no longer lead Watson.
Following the announcement, Dempsey filed a lawsuit against UNCW claiming he was wrongfully demoted and his right to free expression had been violated. The case ended in a settlement in October.
