North Carolina Sen. Berger’s bill restricting DEI promotion in public schools passes House and Senate

Passed bill sponsored by State Sen. Phil Berger aims to restrict the promotion of divisive diversity, equity, and inclusion concepts in public schools and prohibits related offices and employees, according to the North Carolina State Senate.

In the House, 67 Republicans voted in favor of the bill, while 48 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 3 during the 2025 regular session.

The legislation, known as SB 227, 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 Education.”

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 the promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) concepts in North Carolina public schools by prohibiting educational content deemed “divisive” or discriminatory. It defines divisive concepts, such as inherent racial or sexual superiority and imposes restrictions on both classroom instruction and professional development related to such ideas. Additionally, the bill prohibits public schools from maintaining offices or employees focused on promoting DEI. It outlines exemptions, including First Amendment protections and specific academic studies, and mandates annual compliance certifications by public school units, with reports to be submitted to relevant state committees. The act takes effect immediately upon becoming law.

The bill was sponsored by Sen. Michael V. Lee (Republican-7th 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.