CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – The North Carolina Board of Education is proposing new rules for middle and high school athletes when it comes to profiting from their name, image and likeness (NIL).

Previously, the state temporarily banned NIL payments at public schools, but state leaders met Wednesday to go over the new rules. On Thursday, the board will vote on whether to move forward with them before a final vote in January.

Under the proposed NIL rules, student-athletes would be able to do things like public appearances, sign autographs or endorse products – although there are strict rules on things they are unable to endorse. That includes things like drugs, alcohol and tobacco.

Student-athletes would also be unable to reference their school or appear in their school uniform. They would also be prohibited from putting any third-party logo on a school uniform.

Before reaching any potential deals, students would be required to notify coaches and school officials, plus complete a course on NIL rules.

During Wednesday’s meeting, board members had concerns about school districts having to monitor and enforce the rules.

“It concerns me that the onus or reporting the existence of the NILs and the onus for monitoring, detecting and reporting violations of these rules falls on the shoulders of local school people,” Dr. Michael Williams said.

As for next steps, after the Board of Education votes on the proposed rules, there will be a public comment period from Oct. 1 through Dec. 6. A virtual public hearing will happen Nov. 8 at 10 a.m. Then, the Board of Education is scheduled to vote on adopting or rejecting the permanent rules on Jan. 9.

If the board adopts the new rules, they would not go into effect until the 2025-2026 school year.

In February, the NC Independent Schools Athletic Association (NCISAA), which governs private school athletics, approved a policy allowing student-athletes at those schools to profit off NIL.

NC private school leaders approve policy allowing athletes to profit off NIL

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Two students and two teachers were killed Wednesday in a mass shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder in Georgia.

This incident has prompted local parents in North Carolina to urge a review of safety measures in their children’s schools.

Witnessing school grounds transformed into crime scenes has deepened concerns for parents like LaKendrick Reavis, whose child attends Edgecombe County Schools.

“We try to take every precaution we can,” Reavis says, “but we still hear more and more about school shootings.”

Melissa Willis, who relocated from Georgia to Johnston County, shares similar anxieties.

Her child attends a public school in Johnston County, one of the few districts in North Carolina that regularly employs weapons detection systems.

“I don’t know if it gives me peace of mind,” Willis admits, “but it makes me thankful they are thinking about it. I hate that my child has to have.”

Sharon Gainey, a member of the Harnett County Board of Education, believes these safeguards contribute to a safe learning environment.

“Even as a board member,” she says, “I go through the safety procedures and feel safe.”

Gainey believes that these safeguards contribute to a positive learning environment, but she also urges students, faculty, and staff to speak up if they notice anything unusual.

“If they see something out of place or don’t feel comfortable,” she said, “let somebody know. I would rather have to do an investigation and find nothing wrong than not hear about it.”

Funding will Support Youth Impacted by Domestic Violence Across the State

RALEIGH, N.C., Sept. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — WellCare of North Carolina (WellCare), a Medicaid health plan and a Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) company, announced today a $100,000 donation available to nine Family Justice Centers across North Carolina. These funds will support Camp HOPE America, a week-long overnight camp specially designed for youth impacted by domestic violence and trauma.

“WellCare is committed to improving the well-being of citizens and communities across North Carolina, and this is made possible through strong partnerships with organizations like Camp HOPE America and investing in Family Justice Centers across NC,” said Shaune Lancit, director, community engagement from WellCare of North Carolina. “We will continue to invest in the communities where our members live, work, and play, striving to shape a healthier future for all of North Carolina.” 

North Carolina currently has the second largest Family Justice Center network in the nation, helping to lead the way in transforming the lives of those impacted by abuse.

“The Family Justice Center movement, led by the Alliance for HOPE International (AFH), has transformed support for survivors of abuse by offering quicker, comprehensive services,” said Catherine Johnson, Interim Director of Camp HOPE America and Director of the Guilford County Family Justice Center in Greensboro and High Point, NC. “Camp HOPE America’s camping and mentoring program is essential to AFH’s mission, providing a safe space for children impacted by abuse to heal, grow, and thrive. We deeply appreciate WellCare’s investment, which helps these young individuals become healthy, confident adults.”

This donation is part of WellCare’s ongoing commitment to supporting communities across North Carolina. In May, WellCare invested $1.95 million in The Umbrella Center, a comprehensive family justice center that offers holistic services to individuals affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, human trafficking, and child abuse. WellCare also supported the Effective Communication and Life Skills Workshop at The Hope Center at Pullen, a program designed to empower young adults transitioning out of foster care by providing them with the essential resources and connections needed for a safe and stable future.

Additionally, WellCare’s microgrant program with Communities in Schools of North Carolina aims to enhance family engagement and bolster efforts in high-risk areas, introducing innovative tools to strengthen parent involvement and improve student outcomes. These efforts reflect WellCare’s commitment to fostering resilient communities and ensuring every individual has access to the support they need.

About WellCare of North Carolina
Headquartered in Raleigh, WellCare of North Carolina provides government-sponsored managed care services to families, children, seniors, and individuals with complex needs primarily through Medicaid as one of the state’s Medicaid Prepaid Health Plans (WellCare of North Carolina), Marketplace (WellCare of North Carolina by Celtic Insurance Company), Medicare Advantage (Wellcare), and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Wellcare). WellCare of North Carolina is a wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, a leading healthcare enterprise committed to helping people live healthier lives. For more information, visit www.WellCareNC.com.

Any reference in this press release to any person, organization, activity, or services related to North Carolina Medicaid does not constitute or imply the endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

SOURCE WellCare of North Carolina