A federal district judge ruled there was not sufficient evidence to show the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill discriminated against former economics professor Larry Chavis when it declined to renew his contract in 2024. The judge issued summary judgment for UNC. Chavis alleged the decision was retaliation tied to his criticism of secret classroom recording and UNC’s stance on diversity, equity and inclusion. The court said poor teaching evaluations and reports from students and faculty observations were the basis for nonrenewal. The opinion also referenced concerns that Chavis spent class time on topics outside the syllabus and did not follow UNC’s procedure for changing course content. The ruling noted classroom dynamics in which some students feared embarrassment or retaliation tied to required participation. For faculty governance and academic freedom discussions, the decision clarifies how courts may separate protected speech claims from contract renewal decisions grounded in documented teaching and policy compliance.