It’s been a busy week at the NC General Assembly, with lots of legislation introduced that could have significant impacts on our students, schools, and educators. One bill that’s getting a lot of attention is SB 227: Eliminating “DEI” in Public Education. The bill is co-sponsored by Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger (R, Rockingham, Guilford), Appropriations and Education Committee Chair Michael Lee (R, New Hanover), and Education and Education Appropriations Committee Chair Brad Overcash (R, Gaston). All Senate republicans have signed on to co-sponsor the bill.
What is Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)?
DEI promotes the fair treatment and full participation of all people, especially populations that have historically been underrepresented or subject to discrimination because of their background, identity, disability, etc.
In a school setting, this work takes shape in a number of ways. Schools may include texts that are inclusive of student backgrounds and experiences. In order to make them more effective educators, school staff may receive training to recognize the barriers to learning that some student groups face. A school may host events to connect with their community and celebrate the unique cultures of their students. Or to improve student outcomes, a district may establish an to address the unique needs of students from diverse backgrounds.
What’s in the bill?
Among other mandates, SB 227 prohibits public schools from engaging in or advocating for discriminatory practices and providing instruction to students on “divisive concepts”. It also disallows districts from maintaining offices for diversity, equity and inclusion.
It’s important to note, as well, what is not in the bill. Critics have noted that the bill language is unclear in defining specifics of what is and is not allowable, referencing a similar bill in New Hampshire that was struck down by a federal court last year as unconstitutional because it was too vague.
Why is this bill concerning for students, schools, and educators?
Educators are already experiencing a “chilling effect” as the result of sweeping and unclear mandates. There are many other things weighing on educators’ minds already – Will critical funding and programming remain in place? Are their students safe at school? This bill would only serve to add to the questions– What might be considered a “divisive concept?” How might they continue to challenge their students to learn history and think critically about the world around them while avoiding certain topics?
Furthermore, the mandate to eliminate district equity offices undermines the goals outlined in the bill itself. One such office in NC exists to create “…an inclusive educational environment where all students, families, and staff have the resources, support, and opportunities they need to succeed.”
All students need and deserve a school environment in which they feel supported, respected, and represented. At best, this bill makes the work of building affirming spaces for students more difficult. At worst, it will lead to the exact opposite of this bill’s purported intention: it will “attack true diversity of thought, stifle opportunity, and stoke division” in our schools.
You can read more about this conversation and this legislation here.
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