North Carolina Sen. Berger’s bill banning DEI programs in public higher education passes House and Senate

Passed bill sponsored by State Sen. Phil Berger aims to prohibit diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in North Carolina’s public higher education institutions and requires annual compliance certifications, according to the North Carolina State Senate.

In the House, 64 Republicans voted in favor of the bill, while 47 Democrats opposed it.

Meanwhile, in the Senate, 28 Republicans voted in favor of the bill, while 18 Democrats voted against it.

Berger filed the bill in the North Carolina Senate on March 25 during the 2025 regular session.

The legislation, known as SB 558, was passed on June 25 during the 2025 regular session.

According to the North Carolina General Assembly site, the bill’s official text was formally listed with the short title: “Eliminating “DEI” in Public Higher Ed.”

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill seeks to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in public higher education institutions in North Carolina, asserting these programs promote divisive concepts contrary to the state’s constitutional recognition of equality and rights. It mandates the University of North Carolina’s Board of Governors and the State Board of Community Colleges to establish policies that align with new state guidelines, specifically prohibiting the advocacy or endorsement of discriminatory practices or divisive concepts. The bill defines divisive concepts and prohibits related courses from being required unless part of a specific degree program with chancellor approval. Institutions must annually certify compliance and report any adjustments related to job titles, spending, and overall compliance with the act by September 1. Additionally, the bill bars institutions from forming committees to investigate bias incidents and outlines that its provisions are severable if any part is deemed invalid. The bill becomes effective upon becoming law.

The bill was sponsored by Sen. Kevin Corbin (Republican-50th District), Sen. Brad Overcash (Republican-43rd District), and Sen. Phil Berger (Republican-26th District).

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Berger graduated from Averett College with a BS and again in 1982 from Wake Forest University School of Law with a JD.

Berger, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State Senate in 2023 to represent the state’s 26th Senate district, replacing previous state senator Dave Craven.

Under North Carolina law, bills must receive three readings in each chamber. According to the UNC School of Government, once a bill “passes its constitutionally required second reading and moves to its constitutionally required third reading,” additional debate can occur, but the final stage is often treated as a formality. Unless a legislator requests a roll-call, the third reading may be approved by voice vote or unanimous consent without a separate recorded tally.