September 02, 2026

Rep. Foushee Statement on the Racially Motivated Harassment of Black Students at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

WASHINGTON, DC (September 2, 2026) — Today, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04) released the following statement after an incident at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where students say a man harassed several Black students during a watch party at Greenlaw Hall.

“I am deeply disturbed by the reports that a man entered a campus building at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and yelled racial slurs at Black students during a watch party. No one in our society should ever face harassment, intimidation, or discrimination in school or anywhere else. Yet, all too often, Black students and students of color are made to feel that they do not belong in spaces where they should feel safe and welcome.

“We must stand firmly with the students who were subjected to this hateful conduct, and we must be clear that racial harassment has no place at the University of North Carolina or anywhere in our state. The UNC community expects accountability, and we must take steps to ensure that incidents like this are addressed appropriately and that students know their university will stand up for them.

“The University of North Carolina has a responsibility to protect its students and foster an environment where every person feels safe and respected on campus. The University must confront discrimination in all forms head-on, hold those responsible accountable, and take meaningful action to ensure the safety, dignity, and equal treatment of every student.”