(The Center Square) – Eliminating “DEI” in Public Higher Ed., a Republican proposal in the North Carolina Senate, has advanced from an education committee back to the panel for rules and operations.
The bill sponsor from western North Carolina, Sen. Brad Overcash, R-Gaston, says the discriminatory practices of diversity, equity and inclusion policies are “divisive” and run counter to a “free exchange of ideas” and “critical thinking.” Senate Bill 558, as it is also known, says it is an act “to demonstrate the General Assembly’s intent that students, professors, administrators and other employees of public institutions of higher education recognize the equality and rights of all persons.”
Sen. Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, the leader of the chamber, and Sen. Kevin Corbin, R-Macon, are primary sponsors with Overcash.
Most Democrats and minority groups oppose this and other bills generating this session that are related to diversity.
Eliminating “DEI” in Public Education, or Senate Bill 227, has similar language. It says it is “the General Assembly’s intent that students, teachers, administrators, and other school employees recognize the equality and rights of all persons.”
Equality in State Agencies/Prohibition on DEI, or House Bill 171, eliminates initiatives in state and local government and clarifies the penalties relative to the State Budget Act, and the Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act.
