The North Carolina public school system, with its historic academic achievements, educates all students, regardless of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, religion or ability. We seek to provide each and every student what they need to be successful, and we strive to serve them in safe and affirming environments.
With that context, Senate Bill 227, Eliminating "DEI" in Public Education, raises concerns about what it could mean for those very qualities that make North Carolina's public schools strong. Moreover, we believe the law leaves educators with genuine questions about how to apply it, since, for example, it restricts instruction on certain concepts while expressly and appropriately preserving the teaching of difficult history, including the historical oppression of people based on characteristics such as race, ethnicity and religion.
Regardless, we trust that our legislators will join us in supporting our public school educators as they continue to do what they do best- helping students think deeply and critically about a wide range of important issues, respect and appreciate people of varied backgrounds and characteristics, and prepare for their next phase of life.