North Carolina Republicans Override Vetoes, Ban DEI in Public Education

North Carolina became the latest state to roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion programs after Republican lawmakers voted to override Gov. Josh Stein’s vetoes of two bills. The measures apply to public schools, community colleges, and universities, and took effect immediately after the override votes.

The House voted along party lines to override Senate Bill 227, which targets K-12 schools, and Senate Bill 558, which covers public colleges and universities. A third bill, House Bill 171, would extend similar restrictions to state agencies and local governments. That bill cleared the House and now awaits a Senate veto override.

Under the new laws, public schools cannot engage in what Republicans call “discriminatory practices” or teach “divisive concepts.” The same restrictions apply to university DEI offices and initiatives.

House Speaker Destin Hall praised the legislation, saying it ends “divisive DEI policies for good.” House Majority Leader Brenden Jones added, “Every child in North Carolina deserves to walk into a classroom and be treated as an individual, not as a category.” He said the laws let teachers “teach and not indoctrinate.”