UNCW Addresses Campus Threat, Spirit Rock Political Tensions

Lead UNCW University Police cleared a campus threat early Sept. 18 and lifted building evacuations, while ongoing protests over a Charlie Kirk memorial on the Spirit Rock fuel political tensions on campus.

Nut Graf University officials say the threat posed no danger after investigation, yet campus groups remain polarized over the Turning Point USA vigil and subsequent defacement of the Spirit Rock-an incident that has drawn national attention and prompted heightened security measures.

Campus Threat Cleared

  • At 12:15 a.m. on Sept. 18, UNCW received a reported threat, prompting precautionary evacuations of Randall and Discovery Halls.
  • University Police, alongside New Hanover County and state partners, concluded the investigation by mid-morning and confirmed both halls are safe for normal use.
  • Students and staff are urged to stay vigilant and report suspicious activity to University Police at 910-962-2222 or 911.

Spirit Rock Becomes Flashpoint

  • On Sept. 15, more than 1,500 students and community members attended a candlelight vigil on campus honoring conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
  • The memorial painting on the Spirit Rock was later defaced by opposing students using Transgender Pride colors, sparking online threats against those involved.
  • The defacement and counter-paintings have led to tense confrontations, though no arrests have been reported and UNCW Police remain present at the site.

Administration Response

  • Chancellor Aswani Volety condemned the defacement video as “appalling” and stressed the university’s commitment to both free expression and safety.
  • An official message from the Chancellor urged civil discourse and announced cooperation with law enforcement to address any policy or legal violations.

Community Divided

  • College Republicans claim conservative students lacked adequate protection, while liberal groups argue the memorial politicized campus spaces and violated spirit rock policy of 24-hour message display.
  • Social media posts threaten militia action against students and faculty, prompting additional cybersecurity and physical security measures by UNCW Police.

Next Steps

  • UNCW is monitoring online and on-campus threats, reviewing policies on spirit rock use, and facilitating dialogue sessions to restore campus unity.
  • Further updates will be issued as investigations conclude and security protocols evolve.