UNC professor reinstated following allegations of advocating for political violence, school confirms

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WTVD) -- A professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has been reinstated, the school confirmed Friday, after being placed on administrative leave following allegations of "advocating for politically motivated violence."

The Daily Tar Heel reports he has an alleged affiliation to an 'anti-racist, anti-fascist' organization; however, ABC11 has not confirmed these allegations, and it's unclear at this time what specifically caused this personnel action.

Thomas Lin is a student in Professor Dwayne Dixon's Asia 150 course. He told ABC11 News the instructor sent out an email to the class on Friday morning.

"I'm hyped and ready to go to class on Monday to see his face again," said UNC student Thomas Lin. "Based on the email, he's like nothing is really going to change. He doesn't want to talk about past events and what led to the suspension and reinstatement. I'm looking forward to that."

Lin was among dozens who rallied in support of Dixon after the university placed him on administrative leave.

"I think he's one of the best professors on campus. Usually, when I go to a lecture, there's always something super interesting he's talking about."

The university released a statement to ABC11 News:
"The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has performed a thorough threat assessment of Teaching Associate Professor Dwayne Dixon based on recent reports and expressions of concern that he is an advocate for political violence. The Carolina Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management Team consulted with the UNC System security office and with local law enforcement, undertaking a robust, swift and efficient review of all the evidence. We have found no basis to conclude that he poses a threat to University students, staff, and faculty, or has engaged in conduct that violates University policy.

As a result, the University is reinstating Professor Dixon to his faculty responsibilities, effective immediately.

The University continues to reaffirm its commitment to rigorous debate, respectful engagement, and open dialogue in support of free speech, while fulfilling our responsibility to protect the physical safety of the Carolina community."