Upperman family moves to pull new scholarship funding from UNCW after DEI policy changes
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY)– A family that has provided scholarship support to students at the University of North Carolina Wilmington for decades is moving to pull new scholarship funding from the university following changes to the UNC System’s diversity, equity, and inclusion policies.
The scholarship is tied to the legacy of Dr. Leroy W. Upperman, a Wilmington physician and UNCW graduate who became one of the area’s prominent African American doctors.
An endowment created in his honor has supported scholarships for African American students at UNCW for nearly 30 years.
The Upperman African American Cultural Center, which also bears his name, remains active on campus. The center is currently quiet during the summer break, but officials expect it to be filled with student activities, programs, and events when students return in the fall.
Inside the center, a plaque recognizes past recipients of the Upperman Scholarship over the last three decades.
Dr. Upperman’s daughter, Linda Upperman-Smith, says her family decided to move forward with relocating the scholarship endowment after discussions with the university about changes required under the UNC System’s updated equality policy.
“I’m sad and disappointed that it has come to this,” Upperman-Smith said. “I feel that the scholarship has added value to the lives of so many students. However, it is important that my father’s wishes be met.”
UNCW Vice Chancellor for University Advancement Eddie Stuart says the disagreement centers around language used in some scholarship agreements.
The university says some scholarship requirements asked applicants to demonstrate an interest in or commitment to a specific community.
Under the UNC System’s equality policy, university officials say evaluating those statements could be considered compelled speech — requiring students to express certain beliefs or viewpoints in order to be considered for funding.
“Some of those scholarships had a line in it that essentially said the student or the recipient must have a demonstrated interest in or a commitment to a particular community,” Stuart said. “That is only able to be determined through compelled speech.”
Stuart says UNCW has been working with donors to modify scholarship language while still honoring their goals of supporting students.
Stuart says students who are already receiving the Upperman Scholarship will not lose their funding.
The university also says the Upperman African American Cultural Center will not be affected by the scholarship decision and will continue operating under its current name.
Upperman-Smith says the family plans to move the endowment to another university where the scholarship can continue supporting African American students.
The family is considering Howard University, where Dr. Upperman completed his medical training.
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