Elimination of DEI in government and schools passes the NC House

Kyle Ingram, The Charlotte Observer on Apr 30, 2025

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RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina House Republicans on Wednesday approved a broad bill to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in state and local government.

House Bill 171, which passed 68-45 along party lines, would ban state agencies and schools from using DEI in their hiring decisions or giving differential treatment or special benefits on the basis of race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation and more. It would also ban government agencies from using state funds to support DEI programs or applying for federal grants that require compliance with DEI policies.

An earlier version of the bill was far more restrictive, applying to non-state entities and imposing criminal punishments for violations. The version passed Wednesday instead affects only government entities and includes civil penalties up to $10,000 for each violation.

Wednesday’s vote comes after House leaders previously delayed votes on the bill two days in a row earlier this month. Both times, Democrats had gathered to protest the legislation in the House gallery. House Speaker Destin Hall said at the time that the delay was due to one of the bill’s sponsors having an excused absence.

DEI has become a major focus for Republican leaders as President Donald Trump targets the initiatives nationwide. The state Senate has already passed two bills restricting DEI in K-12 schools and higher education.

But if Democrats remain united in opposing the bills, Republicans will likely be unable to enact them — even if they are vetoed by Democratic Gov. Josh Stein.

While Republicans have a veto-proof supermajority in the Senate, they are one seat short in the House. To override the governor’s veto, Republicans would have to get at least one Democrat to vote with them or exploit an absence on their side.

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