How DEI changes impact NC government, business in 2025

North Carolina is seeing shifts in diversity, equity, and inclusion policies across government, education and business. Charlotte-area schools lost significant federal funding for programs like the Teacher-Leader Pathway because they included DEI elements. UNC Charlotte experienced cuts to 17 research grants, including those supporting STEM for girls and LGBTQ health. Later, an administrator also departed after a viral DEI-related video.

The UNC System has only kept certain DEI courses, mostly in majors like social work and nursing, through specific waivers tied to accreditation. Lawmakers are pushing bills that would further restrict or ban DEI initiatives in schools and government, raising questions about the future of these programs statewide.

The proposed Red Line will run connect uptown to Davidson. It will use the existing Norfolk Southern rail line, which runs through an industrial area along North Graham Street. By JEFF SINER

NO. 1: WILL DONALD TRUMP’S ORDERS THREATEN CHARLOTTE-AREA MINORITY BUSINESS PROGRAMS, TRANSIT?

Trump’s first week in office have included sweeping changes to how federal money is spent, with more possible. | Published February 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mary Ramsey

Charlotte-area school grants were cut after the federal government claimed they promoted diversity, equity and inclusion. By Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez

NO. 2: CHARLOTTE-AREA SCHOOL GRANTS CUT AFTER DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION CLAIMS THEY PROMOTE DEI

Grant funding for a collaboration between Union County Public Schools, Gaston County Schools and UNC Charlotte was also slashed. | Published February 21, 2025 | Read Full Story by Rebecca Noel

Traffic passes over the French Broad River in Asheville, NC on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. Debris and the destroyed shoreline are still visible following Hurricane Helene in late September 2024. French Broad River Park is to the left of the passing traffic. By JEFF SINER

NO. 3: ASHEVILLE CHANGES HELENE DISASTER RECOVERY PLAN AFTER FEDERAL CRITICISM OF ‘DEI CRITERIA’

The Housing and Urban Development secretary said the department will not approve any plans that aren’t compliant with President Donald Trump’s executive orders. | Published March 13, 2025 | Read Full Story by Briah Lumpkins

Gov. Josh Stein delivers his State of the State address to a joint session of the General Assembly on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in the House chamber of the Legislative Building. By Travis Long

NO. 4: NC LAWMAKERS PUSH TO BAN DEI IN SCHOOLS AND GOVERNMENT. HOW FAR WILL THE PROPOSALS GO?

One bill threatened criminal penalties for state employees who violated the DEI ban, but the Republican sponsor later removed this language. | Published April 1, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kyle Ingram

Dean’s List is a weekly newsletter about higher education from The News & Observer and reporter Korie Dean.

NO. 5: WHICH UNC SYSTEM MAJORS GOT WAIVERS TO KEEP DEI COURSES AFTER TRUMP BAN?

Learn more in The N&O’s higher education newsletter about the programs across the UNC System that are being allowed to continue requiring DEI classwork. | Published May 13, 2025 | Read Full Story by Korie Dean

Research at UNC Charlotte has been impacted by federal plans to cut funding. By Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez

NO. 6: 17 UNC CHARLOTTE GRANTS CUT SINCE TRUMP TOOK OFFICE — SOME FOCUSED ON DIVERSITY

The cuts come amid Trump admin slashes to research funding around the country. | Published May 19, 2025 | Read Full Story by Rebecca Noel

NO. 7: UNC CHARLOTTE ADMINISTRATOR ‘NO LONGER EMPLOYED’ AFTER DEI VIDEO GOES VIRAL

University officials said it will conduct a review to make sure all employees are adhering to DEI policies and laws. | Published May 29, 2025 | Read Full Story by Rebecca Noel

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.