Controversy Surrounds UNC Professor’s Involvement with Redneck Revolt

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, September 28, 2025

News Summary

Dwayne Dixon, a professor at UNC Chapel Hill, faces scrutiny for his association with the far-left gun club Redneck Revolt amid rising concerns over political violence. With ties to the John Brown Gun Club, Redneck Revolt has been linked to violent protests and provocative recruitment efforts. Dixon’s past actions, including armed protest participation, raise questions about the influence of political beliefs on academia and the university’s stance on faculty political engagements.

Chapel Hill, North Carolina – Dwayne Dixon, a professor of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, is a member of the far-left gun club Redneck Revolt’s Silver Valley chapter, which is under scrutiny amid ongoing concerns about political violence in the United States. The organization has been associated with acts of aggression, notably its links to the John Brown Gun Club, identified by the Counter Extremism Project as an offshoot involved in violent incidents at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities in 2019 and again on July 4, 2025.

Recently, recruitment flyers for Redneck Revolt featuring provocative language that referenced political violence and celebrated the deaths of “Nazis” were posted on Georgetown University’s campus. The flyers were promptly removed by university officials, who condemned the messages promoting violence. Despite the inquiries made regarding Dixon’s involvement with Redneck Revolt, he did not respond to requests for comment.

A spokesperson for UNC stated that while the university respects the constitutional rights of its faculty and students, it condemns all forms of violence associated with political activities. The complexities of Dixon’s past actions contribute to ongoing discussions about faculty political engagement in educational settings.

In 2017, Dixon participated in a protest in Durham, North Carolina, where he was armed with a semiautomatic rifle. This incident led to charges of possessing a weapon at a public assembly, which were later dismissed. Dixon’s involvement with protests has included significant events like the one in Charlottesville, Virginia, where a right-wing rally escalated into violence and resulted in casualties.

In 2018, he faced further legal challenges during demonstrations against the Silent Sam statue at the UNC campus, receiving charges of simple assault that were ultimately dismissed as well. Redneck Revolt has also encountered legal issues, including a lawsuit alleging violations of anti-paramilitary laws during protests, culminating in a consent decree with the city of Charlottesville to avoid trial. Nonetheless, a judge recently denied a motion to dismiss a lawsuit against the group, requiring Redneck Revolt to prepare for trial.

Redneck Revolt is known for positioning itself against capitalism and the nation-state, openly opposing symbols of authority, such as police and prisons. Members of the organization frequently assert their role as protectors of left-wing protesters against right-wing counter-demonstrators, whom they label as “fascists” and “white supremacists.” However, Dixon’s political views and militant affiliations have raised concerns among his students regarding the influence of personal beliefs on academic discussions.

While the university’s policies support the freedom of speech, they emphasize that such activities must remain lawful and conducted in a personal capacity. The ongoing controversy surrounding Dixon and Redneck Revolt highlights the tension between faculty involvement in political matters and the academic environment.

Notably, experts continue to examine the broader implications of faculty affiliations with controversial groups, especially as similar organizations, such as the John Brown Gun Club, have also faced criminal charges and violent confrontations, underscoring the controversial reputation that surrounds them.

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Additional Resources

• Fox News: Professor Elite College
• Wikipedia: Redneck Revolt
• National Review: UNC Antifa Faculty
• Google Search: Dwayne Dixon
• Herald Sun: Durham County News
• Google Scholar: Dwayne Dixon
• News & Observer: Education News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: John Brown Gun Club
• Herald Sun: Durham County Update
• Google News: Redneck Revolt

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