Equality in State Agencies/Prohibition on DEI
Plain English Summary
This bill prohibits North Carolina state agencies and local governments from spending money on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, policies, or staff positions. It defines DEI as initiatives that influence hiring or employment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, nationality, country of origin, or sexual orientation outside of merit-based processes, and establishes penalties for violations including fines up to $10,000 and potential removal from employment.
Arguments in Favor
Supporters argue this bill ensures that government hiring and spending decisions are based solely on merit and qualifications rather than demographic characteristics, promoting equal treatment of all individuals. They contend that DEI programs can be costly, duplicate existing civil rights protections already required by law, and may divert resources from core government services. Proponents believe the bill prevents what they see as unfair preferential treatment based on identity.
Arguments Against
Opponents argue the bill may undermine efforts to address systemic inequities in government employment and contracting that persist despite existing civil rights laws. They contend that DEI initiatives help identify and remove barriers that prevent qualified candidates from underrepresented groups from being hired and promoted, and that the broad definition of DEI could restrict legitimate diversity recruitment efforts. Critics also raise concerns about the bill's enforcement mechanisms and potential legal challenges under federal law.
AI-generated analysis based on bill text. Always verify with official sources at ncleg.gov. This is not legal or political advice.
Sponsors
Primary Sponsor
Representative · District 46
Primary Sponsor
Representative · District 78
Primary Sponsor
Representative · District 47
Primary Sponsor
Representative · District 94
Cosponsors (44)
Representative · District 86
Representative · District 22
Representative · District 89
Representative · District 4
Representative · District 76
Representative · District 110
Representative · District 108
Representative · District 20
Representative · District 64
Representative · District 80
Representative · District 91
Representative · District 119
Representative · District 81
Representative · District 51
Representative · District 28
Representative · District 26
Representative · District 12
Representative · District 79
Representative · District 16
Representative · District 84
Representative · District 113
Representative · District 3
Representative · District 43
Representative · District 68
Representative · District 7
Representative · District 74
Representative · District 19
Representative · District 52
Representative · District 53
Representative · District 93
Representative · District 65
Representative · District 109
Representative · District 117
Representative · District 70
Representative · District 13
Representative · District 5
Representative · District 59
Representative · District 97
Representative · District 73
Representative · District 82
Representative · District 83
Representative · District 67
Representative · District 111
Representative · District 95
Vote Breakdown (7 roll calls)
This bill passed both chambers but was vetoed by the Governor.
A veto override vote has been attempted.
Final Vote
On: M11 Concur
Party Breakdown