The Senate Committee on Education and Higher Education discussed and approved Senate Bill 227: Eliminating DEI in Public Education on Wednesday.
 
The bill, filed this week by Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) and Sens. Michael Lee (R-New Hanover) and Brad Overcash (R-Gaston), would prohibit public schools from promoting or endorsing certain concepts related to diversity and divisiveness.
 
The bill outlines 12 divisive concepts, such as the belief that one race or sex is inherently superior to another, the idea that meritocracy is inherently racist or sexist, and the belief that the United States was founded to oppress certain groups.
 
The bill would also prohibit schools from maintaining diversity, equity and inclusion offices.
 
Sen. Lee explained that the bill outlines instruction that is still permissible such as teaching about past injustices and controversial periods of history.
 
Sen. Lee stressed that DEI program goals are laudable but often aren’t aligned with what happens in practice and program implementation.
 
Some committee members expressed concern about certain aspects of the bill.
 
Sen. Woodson Bradley (D-Mecklenburg) raised concerns about who would determine if certain curriculum met the requirements outlined in the bill.
 
Sen. Jay Chaudhuri (D-Wake) was seeking more clarity about certification and reporting requirements. Sen. Lee indicated that area could be worked on as the bill moves forward.
 
Sen. Sophia Chitlik (D-Durham) asked if the bill was constitutional. Senate Education Committee staff responded that it appears to be constitutional on its face. During the public comment period, Liz Barber of the ACLU of North Carolina raised constitutional concerns and cited a similar New Hampshire law struck down as unconstitutionally vague.
 
The bill was also discussed and approved by the Senate Rules Committee on Thursday.