Urge state lawmakers to uphold the Governor’s vetoes

 (Raleigh, NC – October 21, 2025) The North Carolina General Assembly is trying to override Governor Stein’s vetoes of three harmful education bills—House Bill 171 and Senate Bills 558 and 227. These bills would restrict classroom discussions, invite politically motivated complaints against educators, and divert attention from the state’s real obligation of fully funding public schools. Instead of pushing divisive legislation, lawmakers should implement the Leandro Plan to ensure every child has access to a sound, basic education.

SB 227 & SB 558 would ban so-called “divisive concepts” in public K-12 schools and universities. These vague laws would stifle discussions about race, gender, and systemic inequality—stifling free speech and punishing educators for teaching honest history while further burdening our chronically underfunded public schools.

HB 171 is even more dangerous. It would create criminal penalties for violations of the DEI ban and allow anyone, regardless of motive, to bring complaints against teachers. This opens the door to harassment and wastes public resources on politically motivated lawsuits.

Legislators must uphold the Governor’s vetoes and prioritize strong, well-resourced public schools over politics. It’s time to stand up for free speech, inclusive education, and the dignity of all people in North Carolina.

Take action here.