North Carolina
North Carolina Senate signs off on bill that would ban K-12 DEI instruction
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — The North Carolina Senate passed Senate Bill 227, “Eliminating ‘DEI’ in Public Education,” on Tuesday to “prohibit promoting discriminatory policies and practices in public schools.”
According to a release from Senate Leader Phil Berger’s office, SB 227 “reinforces the need for schools to focus on the core curriculum, foster a learning environment that respects and acknowledges those with differing opinions, and allow the freedom of speech and association to flourish in a K-12 setting.”
Christina Spears used to work in Equity Affairs in the state’s largest school district (Wake County Public School System) as a special education teacher. She is now the president of the Wake County Chapter of the North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE) and says she saw firsthand the benefits of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs for some students.
“We do see an achievement gap between black and brown boys,” said Spears.
My focus is, who gets to decide what makes people uncomfortable?
– Democratic Sen. Val Applewhite, who opposes the bill
She said she wishes lawmakers would focus on other legislation surrounding education, instead of one that would ban K-12 teachers from providing instruction on DEI.
“I’m not surprised, but it’s disappointing,” said Spears.
The Senate signed off on the DEI legislation, but not before a fiery exchange.
“My focus is, who gets to decide what makes people uncomfortable?” said Democratic Sen. Val Applewhite during a debate.
The GOP-sponsored bill is meant to comply with President Donald Trump’s Executive Order so the state continues receiving more than $3 billion in federal funding.
“The bill is not a ban on teaching history or discussing past injustices,” said bill sponsor Sen. Michael Lee, R-New Hanover.
So-called DEI initiatives were pitched as a tool to help our children better understand our history, when in reality they’re merely a facade used by Democrats to alter curriculum to fit their agenda.
– Senate Leader Phil Berger
The bill would not prevent schools from teaching history but requires instruction to be impartial.
“Our schools should not be in the business of teaching inaccurate history or creating a learning environment that doesn’t allow for free thought or expression,” Berger, a Republican from Rockingham County said. “So-called DEI initiatives were pitched as a tool to help our children better understand our history, when in reality they’re merely a facade used by Democrats to alter curriculum to fit their agenda.”
Supporters of the legislation say DEI programs demand that students judge others based on race, sex, or other immutable factors.
“Our children are the ones disadvantaged when DEI policies take precedent over academic excellence,” Lee said. “Instead of spending thousands of dollars on unnecessary DEI trainings, school districts should put those funds toward student needs.”
Raleigh resident Jessica Strauss said she felt that a DEI ban could harm young adults.
“I think that’s going to be really detrimental because I think that they’re pushing a narrative that is not true,” said Strauss.
There would also be effects outside of the classroom in professional development, such as workshops, seminars and other training programs
SB 227 prohibits schools from having a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) office, division, designated employee, or any other similar unit.
“As a parent, I want all children to get the fair and equal treatment they deserve when it comes time for their education,” Sen. Brad Overcash, R-Gaston, said. “No one should be overlooked or denied simply because of characteristics outside of their control. This bill will help schools get back to the basics and support all of our students.”
The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.
Meanwhile, there’s another bill in the House that would raise teachers’ pay and reinstate education-based salary supplements.
“Let’s recruit and pay teachers, so we have more teachers to do the things we need to do,” said Spears.
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The North Carolina Tar Heels will be a young program across the board next season, with well over two dozen freshmen and numerous additions from the transfer portal this offseason. Expectations for the 2026 season are lowered dramatically after a disastrous first season for head coach Bill Belichick, though those expectations could help the Tar Heels fly under the radar.
As the Tar Heels approach the end of spring ball, it is time to look at the veterans of the team—the ones who have the experience to lead, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Let’s look at three underrated seniors for the 2026 football season.
Ade Willie, Cornerback
Willie joins the Tar Heels program after four years with Michigan State, as the former 4-star player in the 2022 recruiting class gets an opportunity to not only provide depth to the secondary, but potentially start Week 0 against TCU.
Willie played in over 30 games with the Spartans and brings experience in the secondary at cornerback and safety, along with quality length and closing speed to the football. For a defense that needs players to step up, the redshirt senior from IMG Academy will be asked to do so.
Isaiah Johnson, Defensive Lineman
The defensive line is beginning to look like one of the Tar Heels’ strengths for the 2026 season. Johnson, a former transfer from Arizona, enters his redshirt senior year looking to add another year of production after 40 tackles and two sacks this past season.
North Carolina has an impressive group of starters with Malkart Abou-Jaoude, Leroy Jackson, and incoming transfer Jaylen Harvey. Johnson adds value to the group as a run defender with the ability to penetrate the pocket. While not discussed as a key player, Johnson’s name will be used plenty during the regular season as a potential standout for the program’s defensive front.
Coleman Bryson, Safety
Bryson was a reserve player for the Tar Heels’ secondary last season as a big nickel defender in the rotation. Heading into his redshirt senior year, the former Minnesota Gopher is looking to become a full-time starter in the secondary.
It wasn’t long ago when Bryson was making plays as the 2022 Pinstripe Bowl Defensive MVP. His special teams abilities were valuable for North Carolina last season, and he flashed at times in coverage against tight ends, including a pass breakup in the season-opener against TCU. The Waynesville, North Carolina, native could be a key defender on the back-seven in 2026.
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Friends and family members gathered in Washington state on Saturday, remembering former Miss North Carolina Carrie Everett, who died on Easter Sunday. Another memorial service is planned in North Carolina next month.
Web Editor : Sydney Ross
Posted
Virginia 3, North Carolina 0 | First Quarter
Virginia 3, North Carolina 0 | Q1 8:19
After a faceoff win by Henry Metz, Brendan Millon finds Truitt Sunderland to give the Hoos a 3-0 lead. Timeout North Carolina.
Virginia 2, North Carolina 0 | Q1 9:00
Brendan Millon gets the scoring started for the Cavaliers with a question mark style goal. On the defensive end, Jake Marek opens the game with three early saves with his third save setting up a transition goal by Tommy Snyder.
Virginia vs North Carolina pregame notes
UVA owns a 59-33 advantage since the series began in 1938.
The 59 wins are UVA’s most against any opponent in program history (followed by 51 against Duke).
In Chapel Hill last year, the Tar Heels defeated the Cavaliers 18-9, snapping UVA’s six-game series win streak.
UVA has won nine of the last 11 meetings, dating back to 2018.
The Hoos have won the last two meetings with Carolina at Klöckner Stadium, 11-4 in 2022 and 14-6 in 2024.
The Tar Heels’ four goals in 2022 marked the fewest goals in a game under Joe Breschi, who was named UNC’s head coach in 2006.
The last time the Tar Heels knocked off the Cavaliers at Klöckner was a 16-13 decision during the first of three games between the two teams in 2021.
Later that year, UVA claimed back-to-back meetings against the Heels, including in the NCAA semifinals on the way to capturing the 2021 national title over Maryland.
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