Supporters rally, call for UNC Chapel Hill professor to be reinstated

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WTVD) -- Dozens of people in support of a UNC professor who is on administrative leave rallied for him to be reinstated.

Dr. Dwayne Dixon, who is a professor of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, has been placed on administrative leave while UNC Chapel Hill investigates what it said are allegations of "politically motivated violence."

ABC11 has not confirmed these allegations and has reached out to the university and Dr. Dixon to get more information about the situation. It's unclear what caused the personnel action.

"This is deeply upsetting," Ablah Maryam said.

Students and some faculty members spoke out against the university's decision, calling for better protection of free speech on campus.

"His political views show up in his love and care and support for the students," Maryam said. "When faculty are being policed for their views, that is obviously going to impact classes and their hesitancy and what they're speaking about. So, this does impact every student in every class."

Elyse Crystall, who is a teaching professor at UNC, said she feels vulnerable.

"All of us are aware of our vulnerability when we have unpopular opinions and positions," Crystall said. "I am still teaching at UNC, but I'm aware, after what's happened to Dr. Dixon, that none of our jobs are safe."

Dr. Dixon has reacted to his leave, saying in part, "This is an issue that affects all of us."

UNC Professor of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies placed on administrative leave