North Carolina is one step closer to dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in state agencies and public education. Recently, the NC House passed a bill prohibiting agencies and local school districts from using state funds to support and maintain these programs, among other changes.
“For too long, DEI programs have replaced qualifications with quotas, achievement with identity, and excellence with activism,” said Rep. Brenden Jones, HB 171’s primary sponsor, as noted by the Carolina Journal.
The legislation cleared the House on April 30 by a vote of 69-45 along party lines. It states that school districts and state entities may not apply for or accept federal funds that require DEI compliance. Board members know well the strings that often come with federal dollars, and the administrative burden they can create.
The legislation would reinforce national anti-DEI measures led by the Trump administration. Last month, the US Department of Education issued a memo requiring local districts and state K-12 departments to certify compliance with anti-discrimination laws, which covers the use of “illegal DEI practices.”
In March, the NC Senate advanced a bill that would bar K-12 schools from engaging in practices often associated with DEI and “Critical Race Theory” (CRT) concepts. It awaits consideration by the House.