July 07, 2025
The Democratic governor of North Carolina has taken a stand against two bills passed by the Republican-majority General Assembly that sought to limit initiatives related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in public higher education. These legislative measures were framed as efforts to combat what the lawmakers referred to as ‘divisive concepts’ and ‘discriminatory practices.’
One of the proposed measures, Senate Bill 558, aimed to prohibit educational institutions from maintaining offices that promote DEI initiatives or any practices deemed discriminatory. The bill defined ‘discriminatory practices’ as actions that treat individuals differently based on their federally protected classifications, solely to benefit or disadvantage them compared to others.
The list of concepts deemed divisive in SB 558 echoed similar restrictions seen in legislation from other states, including assertions that a meritocracy is inherently biased or that the rule of law is nonexistent. If enacted, this bill would have prevented colleges and universities from endorsing these viewpoints.
Additionally, the legislation sought to restrict institutions from creating mechanisms for reporting or investigating speech that, while potentially offensive, is protected under the First Amendment, including satire or comments labeled as microaggressions.
In his veto announcement, Governor Josh Stein emphasized the importance of diversity, stating, ‘Diversity is our strength. We should not whitewash history, police dorm room conversations, or ban books. Instead of fearing differing viewpoints and restricting free speech, we should encourage our students to learn from a variety of perspectives and develop their own opinions.’
Governor Stein also vetoed House Bill 171, which aimed to broadly eliminate DEI initiatives within state government. This bill defined DEI in various ways, including the promotion of differential treatment or special benefits based on race, gender, ethnicity, nationality, or sexual orientation.
In his veto message for HB 171, Stein criticized the bill for its vague definitions and the severe penalties it imposed for potential violations that could be difficult to identify. Reports indicate that lawmakers may still attempt to override these vetoes.
As the debate continues, it remains crucial for educational institutions to navigate these complex issues while fostering an environment that values diverse perspectives and encourages open dialogue.