Education Justice Hub

North Carolina lawmakers are seeking to weaken First Amendment protections, curtail diversity and inclusion initiatives, and stoke hatred against marginalized communities. Our schools have become a critical battleground where these efforts are playing out. Protecting students' rights to safe and inclusive education and defending their right to speak out about issues that matter to them have only become more important in this climate.

In response, ACLU-NC created this resource to equip students, families, and communities with the knowledge and tools they need to protect their rights and push back against harmful policies.

All young people have a First Amendment right to learn free from censorship or discrimination. But over the past few years, North Carolina lawmakers have passed harmful bills targeting LGBTQ+ students, censoring classroom discussions, and removing diversity efforts. During the most recent session, more bills were introduced with the same goal, including attempts to limit school library books. The ACLU of North Carolina is committed to defending students' rights, even as we face monumental efforts to dismantle their freedom and autonomy.