NC House Overrides Gov. Stein’s Veto on Anti-Diversity Bills

RALEIGH, N.C. – In a direct attack on efforts to address systemic barriers facing Black, Brown, and other historically marginalized communities in North Carolina, the North Carolina House of Representatives voted today to override Gov. Stein’s veto on three bills aimed at dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across state government, public schools, and public colleges and universities.

These bills are part of a broader campaign to roll back hard-won civil rights gains and erase honest conversations about race, discrimination, and inequality from our public institutions. Under the guise of promoting "fairness," lawmakers are targeting programs designed to ensure that all North Carolinians have meaningful access to opportunity and belonging in the places where they learn, work, and receive public services.

“Programs labeled as DEI encompass a broad range of lawful initiatives that create fairer workplaces and equal opportunities for all people,” said Reighlah Collins, Policy Counsel for the ACLU of North Carolina. “These programs are not discriminatory; they are essential to creating environments where everyone has a chance to succeed and addressing persistent barriers for individuals to receive a quality education and advance their careers.”

House Bill 171 bans diversity programs in government workplaces and forbids state agencies from using public funds for such initiatives. Senate Bills 227 and 558 prevent K-12 public schools and colleges and universities respectively from engaging in “discriminatory practices,” which includes hiring practices intended to address existing inequities. The bills also prohibit the teaching of 12 so-called “divisive concepts,” most relating to race and gender.

The three bills were originally passed in June 2025 and vetoed by Gov. Stein on July 3, 2025. The Senate previously voted to override the veto on SB 227 and SB 558, so these two bills have now become law. HB 171 will be sent to the Senate, which is also expected to override the veto, forcing HB 171 into law as well.

To override a governor’s veto, the legislature needs a three-fifth majority of present and voting members in both chambers. Several legislators chose not to vote on the decision to override the veto on the three bills, despite previously opposing the bills, allowing the overrides to succeed.

The governor made the following statement in July 2025 on his decision to veto the three bills:

“At a time when teachers, law enforcement, and state employees need pay raises and people need shorter lines at the DMV, the legislature failed to pass a budget and, instead, wants to distract us by stoking culture wars that further divide us. These mean-spirited bills would marginalize vulnerable people and also undermine the quality of public services and public education.”

To date, the legislature has not yet passed a state budget. North Carolina is the last remaining U.S. state without a finalized budget, leaving government workers like teachers and first responders without pay increases to keep up with rising inflation.

The ACLU of North Carolina will closely monitor the implementation of the laws and explore all available options to protect students’ rights and ensure that schools remain a safe and inclusive environment for learning.

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