Sen. Berger files bill in North Carolina Senate to restrict diversity and inclusion programs in schools

A new bill filed by State Sen. Berger seeks to restrict educational content considered divisive and limit diversity programs in North Carolina public schools, according to the North Carolina State Senate.

The bill, filed as SB 227 on March 3 during the 2025 regular session, 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.

Of the three sponsors of this bill, Michael V. Lee proposed the most bills (11) 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.