Anti-LGBTQIA Policy in Schools
LGBTQIA students have the right to a safe and inclusive educational environment that is free from discrimination and harassment. Unfortunately, those rights are being threatened through a national wave of anti-LGBTQIA legislation being introduced across the country and in North Carolina. Much of this legislation negatively impacts the rights, freedoms, and safety of LGBTQIA youth. Instead of limiting resources, education, and opportunities, our schools should protect and support all students to learn and thrive.
Bills that became law in 2025:
HB805 — Anti-Trans/School Censorship Bill
This law adds multiple restrictions that affect students, parents, and schools, including:
Allowing parents to block their child from checking out certain books in the school library for any reason.
Allowing parents to remove their child from any classroom activity or discussion they believe burdens their religion.
Requiring schools to house children on field trips according to sex assigned at birth.
Requiring state officials to keep a person’s original and updated birth certificates together, which can force transgender students to out themselves in situations where a birth certificate is required.
Governor Stein’s veto was overridden on July 29, 2025, making HB805 law. HB805 also includes other harmful provisions that impact transgender and nonbinary communities beyond school settings. Read our HB805 FAQ for the full list.
Ongoing Laws Still in Effect:
SB49
Public schools are required to inform parents prior to changing a student’s name or pronouns used in school records or by school personnel, effectively outing students against their will to potentially unsafe environments. Schools are not allowed to provide any instruction on gender identity, sexual activity, or sexuality in kindergarten-4th grade.
HB574
Transgender youth deserve the opportunity to engage in sports in an environment that fosters inclusivity and understanding. This law takes that away from transgender girls by banning them from playing on sports teams that align with their gender identity.
These bills reflect an alarming, censorial, and punitive wave in our culture to eliminate the civil liberties of minoritized people. They endanger the physical and mental wellbeing of LGBTQIA youth throughout the state. These new laws can make going back to school even more stressful, frightening, and uncertain for LGBTQIA kids.