A bill meant to curb the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion agenda in public K-12 schools in North Carolina is headed to the state Senate floor after clearing that chambers Rules Committee on Thursday.
Sponsored by Republican leaders, Senate Bill 227 aims to remove DEI offices, staff, and related concepts, focusing instead on core curriculum and promoting fairness and merit. The measure identifies 12 “divisive concepts” to be excluded, such as claims of inherent racial or gender superiority and the idea that meritocracy is inherently biased.
Supporters argue that DEI policies have led to artificial outcomes, undermining fairness and competency, while opponents, including Democrats, express concerns about potential politicization of education.
“It’s not a restriction on free speech. The bill specifically states that it doesn’t limit protected speech,” said Sen. Mike Lee, R-New Hanover, during the Rules Committee hearing. “It does not ban discussions about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Instead, it restricts institutionalized programs while allowing educators and students to have discussions on these topics within the boundaries of the law.”
Sen. Jay Chaudhuri, D-Wake, said that students experiencing “discomfort” is necessary. “If we want to focus on programs that talk about improved access, if we want to get to programs that focus on respecting diversity of viewpoints, in some ways, to get to that point, you have to experience some discomfort. It is that discomfort that actually brings us together,” he said.
The measure next heads to the Senate floor where it could be heard as early as next week.