North Carolina Senate Advances DEI Bill
The North Carolina Senate Judiciary Committee has been actively progressing a bill aimed at limiting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across state and local governments.
This bill, which has already passed through the House, seeks to prevent taxpayer-funded preferences related to DEI offices. It also aims to stop agencies from accepting federal grants that come with DEI stipulations and intends to block civil liability for individuals involved in these initiatives. While June is a federal holiday, it seems that didn’t factor into the vote.
Senator Lisa Graphstein expressed dismay after the voting session, commenting, “Happy Junten, everyone.” She did not provide further comments when asked. Governor Josh Stein marked the day with a statement, describing it as an honorable occasion for North Carolina.
The proposed legislation could impose serious penalties. Officials who either promote DEI or accept grants with diversity requirements could face fines or even misdemeanor charges. Should Democratic Governor Josh Stein sign the bill, North Carolina would become the first state to impose criminal penalties on DEI-related expenditures.
However, the governor has historically supported DEI initiatives, asserting that “schools and businesses should mirror the state’s diverse fabric,” particularly after the recent Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action. He even designated June 14th as “Igbo Day” to honor Nigerian ethnic groups.
At present, the bill is awaiting a hearing before the Senate Rules Committee, which is the final step before it could go to the Senate floor. Thus far, Republican leaders have not placed it on any public agenda.
If the bill remains unchanged, the GOP holds a 30-20 majority in the chamber, which should be sufficient for its passage. The House, where Republicans manage 71 out of 120 seats, has a narrow path toward potentially overriding an anticipated veto from Stein. In the absence of Democratic support, House leaders may have to modify the bill to secure the governor’s approval.
Representative Brian Echevarria spearheaded the initiative during committee talks, but faced pushback from staff regarding specifics. He did not respond to inquiries for comment. Meanwhile, Senator Buck Newton, who co-chairs the committee, reportedly halted questions from Senate minority leader Sidney Batch, crossing party lines and disregarding the concerns voiced by Democrats.
North Carolina isn’t unique in this situation. Approximately one-third of states across the U.S. have initiated efforts to restrict or reconsider DEI programs since 2023, reflecting a broader movement aligned with former President Trump’s stance against such practices in federal institutions. Texas closed its DEI office, and Florida has eliminated its diversity budget for higher education, while the Republican attorney general has threatened lawsuits against businesses that utilize racial quotas.
