Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat from North Carolina, rejected a Republican bill that forbade the promotion of opposing views on racial theory in state government offices.
The Republican supermajority in the General Assembly, which initially passed the proposal by veto-proof margins, will now likely face off in a veto override showdown. Cooper has attempted to stop controversial GOP measures this year by using his platform to mobilize citizens against them.
Restrictions on Racial and Political Debate
Beginning on December 1, everyone working for the state government, including independent contractors and diversity trainers, is not allowed to harbor any remorse or blame for prior deeds perpetrated by individuals of the same race or sex. The law, according to Commissioner Cooper, is an effort to stifle constructive conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The Republican caucus was criticized by him for “pretending that bias and racism don’t exist” after two members were removed from leadership roles due to remarks made about Black colleagues.
- Democratic governor Cooper rejects a Republican bill banning racial theory promotion in the state.
- State government employees are prohibited from harboring remorse for past race/sex deeds.
- North Carolina proposal eliminates unconscious bias training and prohibits employer questions.
The proposal in North Carolina attempts to do away with community and corporate training on unconscious bias. Additionally, the legislation would outlaw employers from asking job candidates about their personal or political convictions as a condition of employment.
The academic perspective known as “critical race theory,” which dates back to the 1970s, contends that racism is institutionalized in American society and upholds white supremacy.
Conservatives who dispute how public institutions like schools and universities deal with diversity and inclusion have turned to this ideology as a term in politics.
