A new bill filed by State Rep. Jarrod Lowery seeks to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within North Carolina’s state and local government agencies, according to the North Carolina State House.
The bill, filed as HB 171 on Feb. 21 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Equality in State Agencies/Prohibition on DEI.’
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, this bill seeks to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in state and local government in North Carolina. It prohibits any state agency from promoting, supporting, funding, or maintaining DEI programs, policies, or initiatives, including those involved in government hiring practices, maintaining DEI staff, or requiring DEI training. It also bans the use of state funds for DEI-related activities and disallows the acceptance of federal funds tied to DEI compliance. Violations of these provisions can lead to removal from office or employment and are classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor. Individuals may bring civil actions for damages or to seek injunctive relief related to violations of this bill, and the state auditor is tasked with conducting compliance audits. The bill takes effect upon becoming law, with its penalty provisions applying to acts or omissions from that date onward.
Of the four sponsors of this bill, Neal Jackson proposed the most bills (10) during the 2025 regular session.
Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.
You can read more about the bills and other measures here.
Lowery graduated from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke in 2012 with a BS.
Lowery, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2023 to represent the state’s 47th House district, replacing previous state representative Charles Graham.
| Authors | Bill Number | Date Filed | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jarrod Lowery, Blair Eddins, Brenden H. Jones, and Neal Jackson | HB 171 | 02/21/2025 | Equality in State Agencies/Prohibition on DEI. |
| Jarrod Lowery, Cody Huneycutt, Heather H. Rhyne, and Hugh Blackwell | HB 163 | 02/21/2025 | Pharmacy Benefits Manager Provisions. |
| Jarrod Lowery, Chris Humphrey, Jeffrey C. McNeely, and Kyle Hall | HB 135 | 02/17/2025 | Misbranding/Cell-Cultured Meat/WNC Donations. |
| Jarrod Lowery, Allen Buansi, Grant L. Campbell, MD, and Heather H. Rhyne | HB 145 | 02/17/2025 | Funds for Diabetes Research Institute/UNC-CH. |
| Jarrod Lowery and Grant L. Campbell, MD | HB 146 | 02/17/2025 | Remote License Renewal/Active Duty Military. |
| Jarrod Lowery, Allen Chesser, and Brian Biggs | HB 112 | 02/12/2025 | Increase Permissible Interstate Speed Limit. |
| Jarrod Lowery, Bill Ward, Mike Clampitt, and Rodney D. Pierce | HB 103 | 02/11/2025 | NC Am. Indian Hunting/Fishing Rights. |
| Jarrod Lowery, Diane Wheatley, Harry Warren, and Jeffrey C. McNeely | HB 79 | 02/10/2025 | North Carolina Work and Save. |
| Jarrod Lowery, Allen Buansi, Allen Chesser, and Terry M. Brown Jr. | HB 93 | 02/10/2025 | Constitutional Amendment/Repeal Literacy Test. |
