The legislation defines several “divisive concepts” that would be banned in public schools.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. โ A new North Carolina bill aims to remove diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) from public schools, ban discriminatory practices and remove DEI officers in schools.ย
Instead, Senate Bill 227 encourages core subjects, free speech and respecting different opinions. The bill is sponsored by Senate Leader Phil Berger and Republican Sens. Michael Lee (Hanover County) and Brad Overcash (Gaston County). It comes after North Carolina received $3.1 billion in federal education funding and follows a recent executive order from President Donald Trump.ย
The legislation defines several “divisive concepts” that would be banned in public schools. These include ideas such as claiming one race is superior to another, suggesting that individuals are inherently racist or oppressive because of their race or sex, or making people feel guilty about historical actions.
“We cannot teach our nation’s history without acknowledging our past,” Berger said in a press release. “But we can teach history without forcing our educators and students to embrace and adopt ideologies inconsistent with equality.”ย
Lawmakers behind the bill argue it protects academic freedom and ensures all students are treated equally. The bill emphasizes respecting the dignity of others and acknowledging different opinions.
Schools would still be allowed to teach historical topics impartially, including discussions of ethnic group histories and historical oppression. The bill does not restrict materials used for individual research or study.
Each public school unit would need to report by Sept. 1, 2025, on how they are implementing the law, including any changes to staffing and spending.
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