NC Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Ban DEI in Public Schools

NC -- North Carolina lawmakers have introduced Senate Bill 227, a Republican-backed bill that seeks to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and

Inclusion (DEI) programs in the state's public schools.

The legislation is being sponsored by Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Rockingham), Senator Michael Lee (R-New Hanover), and Senator Brad Overcash (R-Gaston). If passed, the bill would prohibit schools from implementing DEI programs, restrict instruction on "divisive concepts," and shift the focus toward what its sponsors call “neutral and core educational principles.”

With a Republican supermajority in the state Senate and near-supermajority in the House, the bill has a strong chance of passing. However, Democratic Governor Josh Stein has voiced opposition to similar legislation in the past, which means a veto is likely. Whether Republicans can gather the votes needed to override a veto remains uncertain.

What is DEI in Public Schools?

DEI programs in public schools are designed to promote inclusion and equitable access to resources for students of different racial, ethnic, gender, and socioeconomic backgrounds. These initiatives may include:

Curriculum updates to reflect diverse perspectives.
Teacher training on cultural competency.
Policies aimed at closing the achievement gap among student groups.
Proponents argue that DEI initiatives help ensure all students feel represented, supported, and prepared for a diverse world. Critics, including the bill’s sponsors, claim that some DEI programs introduce political ideology into schools and foster divisions rather than unity.

What Does Senate Bill 227 Propose?
Senate Bill 227 seeks to ban the funding and implementation of DEI initiatives in North Carolina’s K-12 public school system. Key elements of the bill include:

Eliminating DEI offices and personnel in schools.

Restricting instruction on “divisive concepts,” such as the idea that one race or gender is superior to another.
Prohibiting school policies or hiring practices that give preference based on DEI-related factors.
Emphasizing “neutral” education policies that focus on core subjects.
Supporters of the bill argue that public schools should focus on traditional education and avoid what they describe as politically charged content. Opponents believe this bill will reduce support for marginalized students and ignore important conversations about race and identity in education.

How Would This Impact North Carolina’s Schools?
If Senate Bill 227 becomes law, it could bring significant changes to public education in North Carolina:

Elimination of DEI Programs

Schools would no longer fund DEI offices or initiatives, affecting curriculum, teacher training, and student programs that promote inclusivity.
Programs aimed at closing racial or economic achievement gaps may face cuts.

Changes to Teacher Training & Curriculum

Teachers would not receive DEI-focused professional development on inclusive teaching strategies.
Schools might avoid discussions of race, gender, and systemic inequalities, even in history and social studies classes.
Impact on Students & School Culture

Critics fear students from marginalized communities may feel less represented and supported in school.
Supporters say the bill would remove political bias from classrooms and focus on academic fundamentals.
Will It Become Law?
The bill will likely pass through the Republican-controlled General Assembly, but Governor Josh Stein, a Democrat, could veto it. While Republicans hold a Senate supermajority and could override a veto, they are one vote short of a supermajority in the House, meaning they would need at least one Democratic lawmaker to join them for an override.

The Bigger Picture

North Carolina’s bill mirrors a national trend of Republican-led efforts to restrict DEI programs in education. Similar legislation has been passed in states like Florida, Texas, and Tennessee, reflecting a broader conservative push against what they see as politically motivated educational policies.

Meanwhile, opponents argue that removing DEI programs will harm students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, and make schools less inclusive. As North Carolina lawmakers move forward with Senate Bill 227, the debate over DEI in education is only set to intensify.

Conclusion

Whether Senate Bill 227 becomes law remains uncertain, but its potential impact on North Carolina’s public education system is undeniable. With supporters arguing for a return to “neutral” education and opponents warning of harm to marginalized students, the battle over DEI in schools is far from over.

What do you think? Should North Carolina schools remove DEI programs, or do they play an essential role in public education? Let us know your thoughts.