Voting Rights Organization Condemns Anti-DEI Legislation as Attack on Democratic Participation and Racial Justice | Eastern NC Now

Press Release:

    MORRISVILLE, NC, June 26, 2025     Today, North Carolina lawmakers have declared war on equality with the passage of House Bill 171 (HB 171) and Senate Bills 227 and 558, dismantling decades of civil rights progress and systematically excluding entire communities from public life. The bills don't just attack diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)-they weaponize state power to resegregate public institutions, silence marginalized voices, and strip away the basic promise of equal opportunity that defines American democracy.

    "Make no mistake: The crusade against DEI is not about 'merit' or 'excellence.' It is about power and exclusion," said Adrienne Kelly, Executive Director of Democracy North Carolina. "As an organization dedicated to protecting voting rights and democratic participation, we recognize this assault for what it truly is-the age-old white supremacist backlash against any social progress for marginalized people."

    A particular concern with HB 171 are the enforcement mechanisms that threaten public employees with termination, civil lawsuits, or Class 1 misdemeanor charges for promoting inclusive workplaces. The bill also grants the State Auditor broad powers to conduct audits and punish violations of the statute. By eliminating diversity considerations in hiring, abolishing dedicated DEI positions, and banning training that acknowledges the lived experiences of our neighbors, certain lawmakers are sending a chilling message: Black, Latine, Asian American & Pacific Islander, Indigenous, differently-abled, and LGBTQ+ North Carolinians are not welcome in their vision of the state.

    "This is voter suppression extended into every corner of our democratic institutions," Kelly warned. "When you criminalize efforts to make our government more representative and inclusive, you're attacking the very principle that democracy works best when all voices are heard. Yesterday's 'political correctness' and 'wokeness' accusations have evolved into today's anti-DEI crusade, but the goal remains unchanged: to roll back the hard-won victories of Reconstruction, Civil Rights, and every movement that has pushed America toward true democracy."


   Contact: Joselle Torres
   Communications Manager
   Email: press@democracync.org
   Phone: 919-908-7930