Gov. Stein and General Assembly far apart on ed bills, but there is hope

Gov. Stein hasn’t been giving conservatives much to be happy about of late. Last week, he vetoed several bills, including ones that would prohibit diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in North Carolina and make significant changes to charter school governance structures.

Legislation outlawing DEI initiatives in state agencies and public education

Stein vetoed House Bill 171 (HB 171) and Senate Bill 227 (SB 227), two bills which would have outlawed DEI practices specifically in state agencies and the public schools. The legislation would also have banned state agencies and municipalities from using DEI concepts in making hiring decisions or providing benefits on the basis of race, sex, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.

Advocates of the bills say they are necessary to uphold provisions to protect equality before the law and ensure non-discrimination.

In his multi-bill veto statement, Stein said, “These mean-spirited bills would marginalize vulnerable people and also undermine the quality of public services and public education.”

Republicans contend DEI efforts have divided Americans, jeopardized constitutional protections, and fueled a culture war.

To override Stein’s veto, Republicans will have to convince one Democrat to vote with them.

Legislation expanding the powers of Charter School Review Board

Gov. Stein also vetoed another bill: Senate Bill 254 (SB 254). Among other things, the legislation would give to the Charter School Review Board additional powers to approve, renew, and close charter schools, powers previously held by the State Board of Education. In addition, under the legislation, the executive director of the Office of Charter Schools would report to the Charter School Review Board instead of to the state superintendent of public instruction.

In his veto statement, Gov. Stein said, “Senate Bill 254 is an unconstitutional infringement on the authority of the State Board of Education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction. Additionally, it weakens accountability of charter schools when every North Carolina student deserves excellent public schools, whether traditional or charter.”

Proponents of the bill say that since the legislature originally authorized charter schools, it should also be able to change their governance structure if it chooses.

Republican supporters have not given up on a veto override. Three Democrats in the House supported the bill itself, but getting them to support a veto override is another question.

Legislation limiting the use of cell phones and other wireless communication devices during instructional time

Finally, on the plus side, Gov. Stein signed legislation (House Bill 959) that was supported by the majority of Republicans and Democrats in both chambers. The bill requires, among other things, that local school boards establish a policy that prohibits students from using, displaying, or having a wireless communication device turned on during instructional time. The legislation includes exceptions for cases when such devices are needed for educational, medical, or emergency reasons.

Though not perfect, HB 959 provides a commonsense remedy to the problem of distractions of cell phones and other wireless devices in the classroom. It’s also a solid step toward ensuring real learning is encouraged in all our classrooms.

The post Gov. Stein and General Assembly far apart on ed bills, but there is hope first appeared on John Locke Foundation.