GOP school board member defends DEI superintendent | Cary spent $150k on town manager's book | Raleigh claims total DEI abandonment | Antifa vandalizes Durham (again)
No. 158 — Jan. 4-Jan. 10, 2026
For this week’s newsletter, we have several updates on previous stories which have been the subject of items in previous issues as well as articles here at the Triangle Trumpet.
The vice-chair of the Franklin County Board of Education has come forward to publicly defend their choice of a superintendent who pushed radical leftist pedagogy while at Durham Public Schools, claiming that she “acknowledges the differences” between the two counties
The Raleigh mayor and city manager appeared before a NC House committee to convince the legislators that they have completely dropped their previously stated “commitment to DEI,” despite all evidence to the contrary
The NC Court of Appeals has ruled in favor of UNC-Chapel Hill in a lawsuit over documents withheld in response to a public records request by a medical watchdog group investigating the origins of COVID-19
The Town of Cary is revealed to have spent over $150k writing, publishing, and marketing the self-promotional book of its now-ousted town manager, of which less than 150 copies have been sold
Teachers across the state held a “walk out” protest for higher pay, including at thirty schools in Wake County, according to the organizers
Left-wing groups organized a demonstration at UNC-Chapel Hill to protest the closure of six “area studies” programs after the Trump administration cut the federal grant they were funded by
Demonstrators also gathered at events throughout the week in Carrboro, Cary, Chapel Hill, Durham, and Raleigh for the apparently intertwined causes of opposing the US military action in Venezuela and the shooting of an anti-ICE driver in Minnesota, including one antifa “action” which vandalized buildings in downtown Durham
GOP school board member defends selection of DEI/CRT superintendent
The Republican who serves as vice-chair of the Franklin County Board of Education has come out to defend the district’s selection of a superintendent with a history of pushing DEI and neo-Marxist pedagogy.
Chris Perry took to a local Facebook group to address “concerns” as well as “factless and baseless claims” of DEI and Critical Race Theory in the school system:
While I certainly understand concerns when people hear about topics such as DEI, CRT, and many others, throwing out factless and baseless claims about such topics do nothing to make our schools better. CRT is not being taught in our schools and there are no DEI initiatives being pushed in our schools (and will not be), as neither of them would offer any benefit to making our schools better.
If we expect our schools to improve, we must deal with fact based concerns, instead of false accusations meant to stir up fear.
One of the things I have enjoyed the most while serving on the board over the past three years, is listening to people’s concerns and doing my best to find a solution. As always, if you ever have any questions or concerns please contact me.
— Chris Perry for Franklin County Board of Education District 5 January 9 at 6:25 PM
Although Dr. Nakia Hardy publicly expressed both private and professional radicalism, taking credit for pushing the radical leftist pedagogy of pushing students to become neo-Marxist activists by adopting “critical consciousness,” Perry clarified that “nothing [he] heard or saw during the interview process gave me concern about any programs like that coming to Franklin County Schools,” as Hardy “acknowledges the differences” between Franklin County and Durham County, where she openly pushed leftist ideology.
Raleigh city manager defends DEI rebrand before legislative committee
NC lawmakers question Raleigh over department seen in undercover video - N&O
Raleigh leaders deny DEI allegations launched by conservative activists - WRAL
Raleigh leaders summoned to legislature over video alleging DEI violations - WUNC
Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell and City Manager Marchell Adams-David appeared before the NC House Select Committee on Government Efficiency to answer questions about the city’s DEI agenda, which was highlighted in an undercover video released in October by Accuracy in Media.
In the video, the then-Assistant Director of Equity and Inclusion Briana Scurry was secretly recorded describing how they were “being strategic” in not “drawing attention to [themselves]” in order to “make sure that this work is protected as possible.”
Adams-David told the committee that since the video was filmed, the Department of Equity and Inclusion was replace by the Department of Economic and Social Advancement:
“It wasn’t just a name change, it really was a redirection of focus, and trying to be in compliance with the law and trying to make sure that we continue to live in the rankings that we get as the ‘best of the best’ cities.”
However, the members of the committee are apparently not readers of this publication, as WRAL reports that only one member challenged the city’s defense, with Rep. Keith Kidwell (R-Beaufort) questioning whether the city was admitting to practicing discrimination prior to the change.
As this prior report shows, it’s true that the switch from DEI to DESA wasn’t “just a name change:” the city went through deleting DEI webpages and excising DEI terminology from the DESA “key initiatives.” However, one might question whether this language change constitutes a “redirection of focus” given that each “key initiative” of the department matches exactly, only with generic language substituted for the explicitly DEI terms.
In addition, the city appears to have retained both the director and assistant director for the renamed department, despite the fact that both were hired explicitly due to their alignment with the city’s “commitment to the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion.”
Although the manager may claim that they have never had “preferential treatment” or “quotas,” documents still available on the city’s website state that Raleigh as an “aspirational goal” for 15% of major construction spending to be awarded to Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises.
As a final cherry on top of the skeptic’s cake, the city’s 2025-2026 budget included an allocation of $30,000 to the Triangle DEI Alliance, in alignment with the city’s support of the organization since its creation in 2019.
Appeals court sides with UNC in public records lawsuit over COVID-19 origins
Judges reject public records case linked to UNC and COVID-19’s origins - Carolina Journal
UNC gets court win, but it’s sending coronavirus research records to lawmakers - N&O
The North Carolina Court of Appeals has ruled against the effort to obtain certain public records sought by medical watchdog US Right to Know from UNC-Chapel Hill as part of its investigation into the origins of COVID-19.
USRTK had filed suit after the university refused to hand over thousands of records requested by the organization including documents related to grants and research collaboration; although the lawsuit did result in more documents being turned over, the Orange County judge ultimately ruled that thousands of documents fell under a research exemption to North Carolina public records law.
The decision was appealed by USRTK on the basis that the judge’s interpretation of the public records exemption was too broad, but the appellate court disagreed, ruling that the judge did not err in interpreting the legislative intent of the statute.
Although the records in question will not be disclosed to the public, they have reportedly been turned over to an oversight commission in the state legislature after a request by House Speaker Destin Hall (R-Caldwell, Watauga).
Previous Coverage:
Public Records Lawsuit Against UNC by Medical Watchdog Group Investigating COVID-19 Origins Advances (Original Article — Nov. 6, 2023)
UNC claims “research project collaborations” are exempt from public records statute in COVID-19 origins investigation lawsuit (No. 57 — Feb. 3, 2024)
U.S. Right to Know public records lawsuit reveals efforts to evade transparency (No. 58 — Feb. 10, 2024)
Coronavirus Pandemic Subcommittee alleges FBI interest in UNC/COVID origins public records requests (No. 59 — Feb. 17, 2024)
UNC COVID-19 Origins Public Records Lawsuit: what does “proprietary mean”? (No. 61 — Mar. 2, 2024)
“Stop Gain of Function” rally at UNC-Chapel Hill (No. 62 — Mar. 9, 2024)
UNC-linked coronavirus researcher accused of “discrepancies in testimony” (No. 66 — Apr. 6, 2024)
UNC coronavirologist Ralph Baric: “can’t rule out” lab leak origin of COVID-19 (No. 70 — May 4, 2024)
3rd Party Report Finds UNC Withheld Public Records Requested by Medical Watchdog Group Investigating COVID-19 Origins (Original Article — Aug. 1, 2024)
Judge rules in favor of UNC in public records suit brought by medical watchdog investigating COVID-19 (No. 94 — Oct. 19, 2024)
U.S. Right to Know appeals public records lawsuit ruling vs UNC (No. 99 — Nov. 23, 2024)
UNC lab leaks? Evidence indicates seven lab-acquired SARS-CoV-2 infections in Chapel Hill during pandemic, researchers say (interview) (Original Article — Apr. 26, 2025)
US Right to Know files brief filed in appeal of UNC COVID-origins public records lawsuit (No. 126 — May 31, 2025)
COVID-19 origins transparency? Legislative committee requests UNC records (No. 128 — Jun. 14, 2025)
AG Jackson files response to COVID-19 origins public records appeal (No. 136 — Aug. 9, 2025)
Town of Cary revealed to have footed the bill for ex-manager’s self-promotional book
Book lauding Cary’s ex-town manager as ‘change-agent’ cost the town over $150K - N&O
According to newly obtained records, the Town of Cary spent significant funds on the writing, publication, and marketing of The Top of the Arc, a book attributed to former town manager Sean Stegall in which he is haled as a “change-agent” in successfully managing the town’s growth.
However, as the records show, Stegall did not even write the book on whose cover his name appears, as the town paid a total of $72,500 to a ghostwriter.
In addition, the town agreed to buy 2,800 copies of the book from the publisher for $36,943.20, or $13.194 per copy.
The town has also spent tens of thousands of dollars to market the book since its publication in August, including $10,350 paid to have an article about the book included in a trade publication, as well as thousands of dollars sending town staff to sell the book at a conference resulting in only 17 sales.
The data also shows that only 143 copies of the book have been sold between August and December, suggesting a large loss on the marketing campaign for a book that retails for only $21.99.
Protest Watch
Teachers stage walkout protests for higher pay
Hundreds of NC teachers are calling out and protesting. Here’s what they want. - N&O
‘Teachers need more than apples:’ Wake, NC educators call out of work to push for higher pay - WRAL
Teachers across North Carolina join statewide protest for better public education support - ABC11
Teachers across Wake County walk out of classes to protest wages, health care as NC budget still not finalized - CBS17
A statewide demonstration organized by NC Teachers in Action encouraging educators to use sick or personal days to leave school and protest for higher wages attracted participation by 650 to 750 teachers at 52 schools across the state, according to the group.
The majority of these schools (30) were in Wake County, such as Northwoods Elementary in Cary, where 20 out of 45 teachers planned to participate according to one of the group’s leaders, Brandy Sanders.
The teachers and their supporters converged at various intersections and locations in Wake County, with eleven such meeting spots listed by the organization, including NW Maynard Rd & Chapel Hill Rd in Cary, where a handful of demonstrators could be seen gathered:
Teachers stage walkout protests for higher pay
Hundreds of NC teachers are calling out and protesting. Here’s what they want. - N&O
‘Teachers need more than apples:’ Wake, NC educators call out of work to push for higher pay - WRAL
Teachers across North Carolina join statewide protest for better public education support - ABC11
Teachers across Wake County walk out of classes to protest wages, health care as NC budget still not finalized - CBS17
A statewide demonstration organized by NC Teachers in Action encouraging educators to use sick or personal days to leave school and protest for higher wages attracted participation by 650 to 750 teachers at 52 schools across the state, according to the group.
The majority of these schools (30) were in Wake County, such as Northwoods Elementary in Cary, where 20 out of 45 teachers planned to participate according to one of the group’s leaders, Brandy Sanders.
The teachers and their supporters converged at various intersections and locations in Wake County, with eleven such meeting spots listed by the organization, including NW Maynard Rd & Chapel Hill Rd in Cary, where a handful of demonstrators could be seen gathered:
The demonstration was inspired by an anonymous viral social media post encouraging NC teachers to call-out in November; the group plans to continue holding protests on the 7th of February, March, and April.
Left-wing student groups protest closure of programs targeted by Project 2025
‘Dismantle our education quietly’: Campus demonstration protests area studies center closures - Daily Tar Heel
Hundreds protest planned closure of international study centers at UNC - N&O
Over a hundred protesters gathered on the UNC campus in Chapel Hill to protest the closure of six “area studies” programs, which have been scheduled to sunset after the federal Title IV International Education grant program government was terminated by the Trump administration, citing “inconsisten[cy] with Administration priorities and do not advance American interests or values.”
Eliminating the federal funding for these programs was identified as a reform in the infamous Project 2025 from the Heritage Foundation:
Congress should wind down so-called “area studies” programs at universities (Title VI of the HEA), which, although intended to serve American interests, sometimes fund programs that run counter to those interests.
The protest to keep the programs was organized by student groups including TransparUNCy, the Campus Y, the Workers Union at UNC, and Students United for Immigrant Equality.
Anti-ICE and pro-socialist: leftists protest (and riot?)
The left’s week of protests began early, with demonstrators gathering for at least one protest in Durham against the US military’s seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife for trial on “narco-terrorism” charges in New York. According to reporting by the Durham Voice, “around 120 people” gathered in the afternoon
Following the pro-Maduro demonstration last Saturday in Raleigh by socialists and leftist organizations against the US military’s seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife for trial on “narco-terrorism” charges in New York (and another in Durham which escaped the notice of last week’s issue), the Triangle Radical Events page on Instagram shared a flyer for an “emergency demo” against “US imperialism” at the CCB Plaza on Monday night in Durham, though there appears to have been no media coverage or evidence that the protest actually took place:
However, on Wednesday, an event occurred which captured the ire of nearly the exact same demographics of demonstrators who are protesting against the Trump administration’s actions in Venezuela; namely, the shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis.
The evidence available to the public so far appears to show that Good and her lesbian “wife” were present to document/protest/obstruct an ongoing immigration operation. When ICE agents ordered her to get out of her vehicle, which she had parked perpendicular to traffic flow, Good attempted to escape by reversing, then driving forward and striking an ICE agent who was circling her vehicle while recording with a cell phone.
The ICE agent, who had previously been a victim of a similar attack in which he was dragged 100 yards by an illegal alien and required 33 stitches, fired three shots killing Good.
On Thursday, a protest in Chapel Hill by the Triangle branch of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom which had been intended to protest against US action in Venezuela shifted its focus to include Good’s death, ultimately attracting dozens of protestors.
A handful of protesters gathered the same day in Raleigh for an “Abolish ICE” protest, while a larger crowd of hundreds gathered in Durham for a protest to “Stop ICE Terror” organized by leftist organizations including Durham Beyond Policing, Code Pink NC, Palestinian Youth NC, 50501 NC, the Triangle chapter of the Party of Socialism and Liberation, and Nuestro Barrio Liberation Cafe, with representation from the Communist Party USA spotted as well.
A less-covered protest the next night in Durham promoted by the antifa-affiliated Triangle Radical Events crossed the line of lawful, peaceful protest with Durham Police reporting “minor property damage” (but no arrests), and WRAL confirming that multiple buildings vandalized including with a message of “every pig is ICE” and fireworks were set off as the crowd of over a hundred marched through the streets and into traffic.
Video captured of the event shows masked demonstrators, some in black bloc, leading the demonstration with a banner featuring the antifa double-flag symbol, the anarchist “A”, as well as messages in English and Arabic such as “No Human is Illegal.”
The demonstrations returned to the less-extreme liberal and socialists crowds with hundreds of protesters at events on Saturday including “ICE Out for Good!” rallies in Durham and Carrboro, “No War! No ICE!” organized in Raleigh by the local Democratic Socialists of America and Party for Socialism and Liberation chapters, and a rally in Cary by Cary Indivisible.
Carrboro
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