North Carolina Lawmakers Override Governor's Vetoes on DEI Ban and Immigration Enforcement

June 25, 2026 - 12:01

RALEIGH, N.C. -- The North Carolina General Assembly voted Wednesday to override Governor Josh Stein's vetoes on two major bills, one that eliminates diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in public universities and another that requires state law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.

The Senate voted 30-19 along party lines to override the DEI ban, followed by a similar 72-44 vote in the House. The immigration enforcement bill passed the Senate 30-19 and the House 72-45. Both votes met the three-fifths majority needed to override a gubernatorial veto.

The DEI legislation prohibits public universities and community colleges from maintaining offices or programs focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. It also bans mandatory diversity training and prevents schools from considering race, sex, or ethnicity in admissions or hiring decisions. Supporters argue the measure ensures equal treatment under the law, while opponents say it will harm efforts to support underrepresented students.

The immigration bill mandates that all state law enforcement agencies comply with detainer requests from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. It also offers financial incentives to local police departments that enter into formal agreements with ICE. Critics warn the law could lead to racial profiling and erode trust between immigrant communities and local police.

Governor Stein, a Democrat, had vetoed both bills earlier this month, calling the DEI ban a step backward for educational opportunity and the immigration measure an overreach that would strain local resources. Republican legislative leaders praised the overrides as necessary steps to uphold merit-based education and public safety.

The new laws take effect immediately. Several civil rights groups have already announced plans to challenge the DEI ban in court.