This article has been updated since publication.
Activist group Accuracy in Media has released an undercover video that shows a social work staff member at the University of North Texas discussing how the institution has maintained diversity, equity, and inclusion materials in course content.
In the video, Paige Falco, a field education coordinator in social work at UNT’s College of Public Affairs and Health Sciences, told an investigator with a hidden camera that DEI is “definitely still a focus” at the institution.
Falco told the investigator that she removed DEI keyphrases from course titles and descriptions, while continuing to teach the concepts.
“It’s one of those things where you have to, like, we need to follow the law because that’s what it is,” Falco said. “But there’s also ways that we can still kind of get around it.”
Later in the video, Falco discussed how “antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion” is a competency for the Council on Social Work Education, which accredits the school.
The Steve Hicks School of Social Work at UT-Austin also requires so-called “antiracism” training as part of its accreditation with this organization.
While the video contains several references to “the law” and “laws,” it never references a specific piece of legislation. Senate Bill 17, a 2023 state law that banned DEI in many aspects of day-to-day university operations, contains specific exemptions for accreditation and “academic course instruction.”
A University of North Texas representative told Texas Scorecard, “The University of North Texas takes its obligations as a public institution seriously and complies with all state and federal laws and regulations, including SB 17.”
Social work education has a long history as a repository for woke content, both nationally and in the Lone Star State.
In 2025, Baylor University’s Garland School of Social Work returned a grant to promote LGBT ideology within churches following public backlash.
UNT social work professors have spoken at trans-affirming conferences and require adherence to woke ideology.
The University of North Texas is a component of the University of North Texas System. The UNT system is overseen by a Board of Regents appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Texas Senate. Carlos Munguia of University Park is the current board chairman.
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