CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (TND) — The University of North Carolina (UNC) system spends at least $90 million annually to employ just under 700 staffers devoted to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, according to watchdog group OpenTheBooks.

Of the system’s DEI staffers, 288 are listed in its payroll, according to OpenTheBooks. The report found another 398 individuals worked in DEI-related roles that did not appear in payroll records, such as members of DEI councils and committees.

Student volunteers reportedly accounted for 80 of these roles. However, some UNC employees appeared on the system’s website as being involved in a DEI committee despite not being listed on payroll, according to OpenTheBooks.

UNC’s flagship school Chapel Hill employed 88 DEI staffers, amounting for $37.9 million, according to the findings. The school’s chief diversity officer reportedly rakes in $412,799 yearly.

North Carolina State University’s vice president of institutional equity and diversity makes $302,853, according to OpenTheBooks. The school’s associate dean of DEI also reportedly earned $235,946 annually. OpenTheBooks noted these sums are “likely far higher, including bonuses, other pay and benefits.”

“North Carolina taxpayers deserve a university system focused on equal access to a worldclass education for students who will soon lead the American economy," OpenTheBooks CEO Adam Andrzejewski told The National Desk (TND) Tuesday. "What they’re seeing instead is a far-Left, divisive form of identity politics that’s creating upheaval on campuses."

"The good news is, the UNC system has been taking some steps back in the right direction," Andrzejewski continued. "The Board of Governors has another big decision to make soon.”

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When reached for comment, UNC told TND its Board of Governors will vote on a budget change Thursday which will divert $2.3 million in DEI funds to "public safety" efforts. The UNC system’s Budget, Finance and Infrastructure Committee approved the motion last week.

Major schools nationwide are beginning to scale back DEI efforts as critics voice opposition. MIT recently dropped required diversity statements as part of its job application process, saying such requirements “don’t work.” University of Wyoming officials also moved to close the school’s DEI office this month following a budget dispute with the state’s legislature.

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