GOP Representative Challenges UNC Charlotte Over Teen Training Event

Representative Mark Harris, a Republican from North Carolina, has formally requested explanations from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC-Charlotte). This demand follows reports indicating the university provided space for a training session focused on abortion support for teenagers as young as 14.

The training was organized by the Youth Abortion Support Collective, an entity linked to Advocates for Youth. Rep. Harris sent an exclusive letter to Chancellor Sharon Gaber detailing his concerns regarding the event.

Details of the Controversial Training Session

The training, which took place on November 15-16 of last year, was advertised as being open to individuals aged 14 to 24. Its stated goal was to introduce participants to the necessary “tools, resources, and skills for abortion support work.”

An event invitation specified that the session aimed to welcome anyone interested in becoming an “abortion doula, companion, and/or support person.” The invitation defined an abortion doula, referencing the international reproductive justice organization Dopo.

Dopo defines an abortion doula as someone who can offer “physical, emotional, and/or spiritual support” before, during, and/or after an abortion procedure.

Representative Harris Demands Transparency and Accountability

In his correspondence, Rep. Harris argued that allowing the abortion industry to recruit and train minors on a public campus is “deeply inappropriate.” He stressed that this raises serious questions about the responsible use of public resources and the university’s overall priorities.

Harris stated that North Carolinians who fund the institution and hold strong beliefs regarding the sanctity of life are owed transparency and accountability from the university.

Key Questions Posed to University Leadership

The Republican representative outlined several specific demands for disclosure from Chancellor Gaber. These included:

  • Whether taxpayer funds, facilities, or administrative resources were utilized to promote the training.
  • Who authorized the use of university space for this specific event.
  • If any university employees were involved in organizing, facilitating, or approving the training.
  • The university’s intentions regarding hosting similar advocacy events in the future.

Concerns Over Public Trust and University Mission

Harris asserted that public universities have an obligation to manage tax dollars responsibly and maintain an environment suitable for all students, including minors. He suggested that partnering with an organization promoting a “radical progressive agenda” to minors erodes public trust.

He concluded by urging the Chancellor to reconsider future partnerships with similar groups. Harris emphasized that the university should prioritize education and fiscal responsibility over ideological advocacy to align with taxpayer expectations.

UNC Charlotte Responds to Inquiry

A spokesperson for UNC-Charlotte and Chancellor Gaber provided a statement to Fox News Digital addressing the representative’s concerns. They confirmed that accurate information had been shared with Harris’s office to clarify the event’s nature.

The university clarified that this was not a university-sponsored event, and importantly, no university funds were expended. The activity was organized by a registered student organization, they noted.