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By Darius Spearman (africanelements)
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Governor Stein Stands Firm
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein recently took a strong stance against what he called “mean-spirited” legislation. On Thursday, July 3, 2025, Governor Stein vetoed three bills aimed at dismantling Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. In addition, he vetoed one bill that specifically targeted transgender rights (spectrumlocalnews.com).
Governor Stein did not mince words when criticizing the Republican-led legislature. He accused state lawmakers of trying to “distract us by stoking culture wars that further divide us” (spectrumlocalnews.com). This distraction, he argued, comes at a time when the state needs to focus on enacting a budget for the fiscal year. He emphasized that these bills would “marginalize vulnerable people” and “undermine the quality of public services and public education” (spectrumlocalnews.com). For many in the Black community, these culture wars often feel like a deliberate attempt to divert attention from systemic issues that affect our communities, such as economic inequality and access to quality education.
Understanding DEI Initiatives
The anti-DEI bills aimed to significantly restrict or eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives across state government and education. DEI programs are designed to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their background, have fair access and opportunities. They work to create environments where everyone feels valued and respected. One of the vetoed bills, for instance, would ban training, staff positions, and hiring decisions that incorporate DEI in state agencies (chapelboro.com). This legislation also sought to outlaw state agencies or local governments from using state funds for DEI programs (chapelboro.com). Workers who violate this law could even face civil penalties.
House Bill 171, a key piece of this legislation, specifically targets mandatory DEI training and the consideration of diversity and equity in hiring (ncnewsline.com). It also sought to eliminate dedicated DEI offices or positions and the use of taxpayer dollars for these efforts. The bill defines DEI as anything that “promotes differential treatment” based on identity (ncnewsline.com). Governor Stein, in his veto message, stated that “we should not whitewash history” and “should ensure our students learn from diverse perspectives and form their own opinions” (chapelboro.com). This perspective resonates deeply within the African American community, where the accurate teaching of history and the promotion of diverse viewpoints are seen as essential for true progress and understanding.
Understanding Key Terms: DEI
DEI initiatives are programs and policies designed to promote fair treatment and full participation for all people, especially those from groups that have historically been underrepresented or marginalized. Diversity focuses on representation, equity on fairness in processes and outcomes, and inclusion on creating environments where everyone feels welcome and valued.
Definition compiled from common understanding of DEI principles.
Protecting Transgender Rights
The vetoed transgender-related bill contained several provisions that would significantly impact the lives of transgender individuals in North Carolina. One key part of the bill would prevent state-funded gender transition procedures or gender-affirming hormone therapy for prisoners (spectrumlocalnews.com). Gender-affirming care refers to a range of medical and non-medical services that support a person’s gender identity. This care can include hormone therapy, surgeries, and counseling, all aimed at helping individuals align their physical and social presentation with their internal sense of self. Denying such care, especially to vulnerable populations like prisoners, raises serious human rights concerns.
Furthermore, the bill affirmed the recognition of two sexes and required the state to officially attach a transgender person’s new birth certificate to their old one if they change their sex assigned at birth (spectrumlocalnews.com). This provision could create significant administrative burdens and privacy concerns for transgender individuals. Governor Stein expressed strong support for anti-sexual exploitation provisions that were initially part of the bill. However, he stated that the final measure went too far with its other additions (chapelboro.com). He powerfully declared, “My faith teaches me that we are all children of God no matter our differences and that it is wrong to target vulnerable people, as this bill does” (chapelboro.com). This sentiment resonates with the Black community’s historical fight for civil rights and the protection of all marginalized groups.
Understanding Key Terms: Gender-Affirming Care
This refers to a range of medical, psychological, and social services that support an individual in aligning their physical and social presentation with their gender identity. It can include counseling, hormone therapy, and surgical procedures. The goal is to improve the overall well-being and mental health of transgender and gender-diverse individuals.
Definition compiled from common understanding of medical and psychological practices.
The Path to Override
After Governor Stein’s vetoes, the bills have returned to the General Assembly (chapelboro.com). The Republican-controlled legislature could attempt to override these vetoes. To override a gubernatorial veto in North Carolina, a three-fifths majority vote in both the House and Senate is required (newsobserver.com). This means that a significant number of legislators must vote in favor of the override. Republicans are currently one House seat short of a veto-proof majority (chapelboro.com). This makes the override process challenging for them.
Historically, votes on similar bills have often gone along party lines, with Republicans in support and Democrats in opposition (newsobserver.com). While no Democrats voted for the final three anti-DEI measures, one House Democrat did vote for the transgender-related bill (chapelboro.com). The legislature could attempt veto overrides as early as later this month (chapelboro.com). The outcome of these override attempts will determine the future of DEI initiatives and transgender rights in the state. This political maneuvering highlights the ongoing struggle for civil rights and protections for marginalized communities, a struggle that Black Americans know all too well.
North Carolina Veto Override Threshold
Data based on North Carolina legislative requirements and current political standings. Source: newsobserver.com, chapelboro.com
Direct Impact on North Carolinians
If enacted, these vetoed bills would directly affect various groups in North Carolina. The anti-DEI legislation could lead to the elimination or reduction of diversity programs in state government and educational institutions (spectrumlocalnews.com). This would potentially affect employees and students who benefit from or are involved in these initiatives. For Black students and professionals, DEI programs often represent critical pathways to opportunity and support systems within institutions that have historically excluded them. Their removal could set back years of progress in creating more equitable environments.
The transgender-related bill would restrict state-funded gender-affirming care for prisoners (spectrumlocalnews.com). This could have broader implications for transgender individuals seeking such care across the state. Governor Cooper, the previous governor, denounced similar bills as “a triple threat of political culture wars” (apnews.com). He stated that they would interfere with the ability of doctors and parents to care for vulnerable children whose lives have been thrust into the political spotlight (apnews.com). These measures are part of a larger trend of legislation that critics argue harms vulnerable populations. For Black families, who often face disproportionate challenges in healthcare access and systemic discrimination, such legislation adds another layer of burden and concern.
Broader Legislative Context
These legislative efforts in North Carolina are part of a broader national trend. They align with President Donald Trump’s agenda to dismantle DEI practices and restrict transgender rights (chapelboro.com). Many Republican-led states are pushing similar bills. The focus is often on public sector institutions. However, some states, like North Carolina, are extending efforts to non-state entities (multistate.us). This push has led to significant resistance from Democrats and LGBTQ+ rights advocates. They view these bills as “mean-spirited” and politically motivated (chapelboro.com).
In 2023, the North Carolina Senate approved limits on LGBTQ+ instruction in schools (apnews.com). This specifically prohibited instruction about gender and sexuality in K-4 public school classes. The North Carolina House also passed an “anti-CRT” bill in 2023 (newsobserver.com). Critical Race Theory (CRT) is an academic framework that examines how race and racism have shaped legal systems and societal structures. The bill included provisions stating that teachers should not promote that anyone “should feel discomfort, guilt, anguish or any other form of psychological distress” based on their race or sex (newsobserver.com). This year, Republican lawmakers pushed anti-trans bills like never before (19thnews.org). These legislative trends reflect a broader cultural battle. For the Black community, these efforts often feel like a direct attack on the progress made in understanding and addressing systemic inequalities. They also represent an attempt to erase uncomfortable truths about history and identity.
Understanding Key Terms: Critical Race Theory (CRT)
CRT is an academic framework that originated in the 1970s and 1980s. It examines how race and racism have shaped legal systems and societal structures in the United States. It posits that racism is not merely individual prejudice but is embedded in laws, policies, and institutions. CRT scholars analyze how these systems perpetuate racial inequality.
Definition compiled from common understanding of Critical Race Theory.
A Stand for Vulnerable Communities
Governor Stein’s vetoes represent a significant stand against legislation that many see as targeting vulnerable populations. His actions highlight the ongoing political battles over social issues in North Carolina. These battles often reflect broader national divides. The governor’s criticism of the legislature for focusing on “culture wars” instead of essential state business resonates with many who feel that political grandstanding often overshadows the real needs of communities. For African Americans, who have historically been at the forefront of fights for civil rights and equality, these legislative efforts are a reminder that the struggle for justice is continuous.
The outcome of the potential veto overrides will be crucial for the future of DEI initiatives and transgender rights in North Carolina. It will also signal the extent to which the legislature is willing to push through controversial measures. Governor Stein’s commitment to protecting marginalized groups offers a glimmer of hope. It demonstrates that some leaders are willing to prioritize human dignity over political posturing. This is a fight that impacts all of us, especially those who have historically been on the margins of society.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Darius Spearman has been a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.
