Sen. Berger files bill in North Carolina Senate to end DEI programs in public colleges

A new bill filed by State Sen. Phil Berger seeks to prohibit diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in North Carolina’s public colleges and universities, according to the North Carolina State Senate.

The bill, filed as SB 558 on March 25 during the 2025 regular session, 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.

Of the three sponsors of this bill, Kevin Corbin and Brad Overcash proposed the most bills (29) during the 2025 regular session.

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.