Andrew Kolvet, a spokesperson for Turning Point USA, has demanded the immediate firing of Dwayne Dixon, an Asian and Middle Eastern Studies professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, citing alleged ties to the John Brown Gun Club’s offshoot Redneck Revolt, a group linked to violent attacks against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities. Kolvet’s call to action followed the discovery of recruitment flyers at Georgetown University’s campus, which referenced Charlie Kirk’s assassination and bore the phrase ‘Hey fascist! Catch this!’ on bullet casings, an apparent nod to the event.
The flyers, which were found on Georgetown’s campus, sparked calls for an investigation into the group’s activities and its connections to higher education institutions. Redneck Revolt, described as a ‘far-left’ gun club by the Counter Extremism Project, rejects capitalism and the nation-state, often deploying armed members to protests and claiming to shield left-wing activists from ‘fascist’ or ‘white supremacist’ opponents. Dixon, who faces a history of charges related to armed protests in 2017 and the 2018 toppling of UNC’s Silent Sam statue, has not responded to requests for comment, leaving his current status and potential disciplinary action unclear.
Earlier this month, President Donald Trump issued an executive order instructing federal agencies to investigate, disrupt, and dismantle illegal operations linked to Antifa, reflecting a broader political climate of heightened scrutiny over groups associated with political violence. The controversy also highlights the complex intersection of free speech, political activism, and institutional responsibility, as UNC’s spokesperson reiterated the university’s commitment to free speech while not commenting on the personal political views or activities of its employees.
While the university has not yet commented on any potential investigation into Dixon’s alleged ties, the situation underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding ideological extremism, academic freedom, and the role of higher education institutions in addressing politically motivated violence.
Redneck Revolt’s alleged connection to violent acts, including a 2019 bombing attempt by member Willem van Spronsen, who was killed during the attack and later celebrated by antifa activists as a martyr, further exacerbates the controversy. The group was also sued by Charlottesville and local businesses under anti-paramilitary and nuisance laws after a 2017 rally, with a judge refusing to dismiss the case. However, Redneck Revolt avoided trial by entering a consent decree, which they claimed was a form of harassment and state repression.
Dixon’s past legal troubles include multiple charges from 2017, when he allegedly attended armed protests in Durham and Charlottesville, though these were later dropped. Additionally, he faced an assault charge related to the 2018 toppling of UNC’s Silent Sam statue, which was dismissed. These incidents raise questions about the professor’s involvement in politically motivated violence and his potential role in the broader network of groups associated with Redneck Revolt.
The situation reflects broader societal tensions between free speech, political activism, and institutional responsibility to address extremist activities. As the debate continues, the role of universities in balancing free expression with the need to address potential threats to public safety remains a critical issue in contemporary discourse.