It’s Back to School Season!

As students across North Carolina and the nation return to school, they face a new challenge: navigating a shifting educational landscape shaped by policies introduced by the Trump administration and their impact at the state level.

Here in North Carolina, several bills have passed that will impact the rights of LGBTQ+ people and kids who come from immigrant families. ACLU-NC stands ready to oppose anything that jeopardizes individuals' civil rights. The passage of these bills shows why it’s so important for people to be aware and to speak out against their harmful impact. That’s why we created this back-to-school guide— to equip students, families, and communities with the knowledge and tools they need to protect their rights and push back against harmful laws.

As we continue to work to defend the civil liberties of students, parents, teachers, and librarians, here’s what you should know:  

  • Students walking to school

    Immigrant Rights & Education

    Learn more about changes in policy most likely to impact immigrant students in North Carolina schools for the 2025-26 school year. 

    Learn more.

  • Classroom Censorship

    The First Amendment gives us the right to read, learn, and engage in discussions about important subjects in educational institutions, and these rights are currently facing challenges.

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  • Anti-LGBTQIA Policy

    The rights of transgender and queer youth to exist in schools and receive a proper education are under attack.

    Here we break down the anti-trans legislation introduced in our state’s schools and our ongoing movement to defend students’ right to be themselves in school.

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  • Book Banning

    Politicians and school boards nationwide are making moves to ban books—predominately those with content that focuses on race and LGBTQIA topics— from public schools and libraries.

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  • Cops in North Carolina Schools

    Despite clear evidence regarding the negative impact of police on students and school environments, North Carolina continues to devote millions of dollars to placing armed law enforcement officers in schools.

    Our new report highlights the grave consequences of police presence in schools for North Carolina’s children, especially Black youth and students with disabilities.

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  • Affirmative Action

    Affirmative action policies are integral to cultivating a fairer society. These policies are essential tools for addressing inequalities and providing access to opportunities that systemic biases and discrimination might otherwise prevent individuals from attaining.

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