NC Governor Vetoes Four Anti-DEI, Gender Bills

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein vetoed four bills passed by the Republican-led legislature, including three targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives across state government, public schools, and universities, and a fourth bill that would restrict transgender rights by officially recognizing only two sexes. Stein denounced the bills as 'mean-spirited' and argued they would marginalize vulnerable populations while diverting attention from urgent issues like teacher pay and unresolved budget negotiations. The DEI bills sought to eliminate public funding and ban hiring practices related to such programs. The transgender bill imposed limits on gender-affirming care and restricted school accommodations for transgender students. Stein's vetoes have triggered potential override attempts in the legislature, where Republicans are close to holding a supermajority. The governor called for bipartisan cooperation on substantive issues and reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of all North Carolinians.