NC H324

Creates new statute G.S. 115C-81.61 establishing that North Carolina public schools must ensure students and staff respect dignity, acknowledge differing opinions, and support intellectual honesty and freedom of speech.

Prohibits public school units from promoting 13 specified concepts, including claims that one race or sex is inherently superior, that individuals are inherently racist based on race or sex, or that the United States was created to oppress particular groups.

Defines "promote" as compelling students, teachers, administrators, or school employees to affirm or profess belief in the prohibited concepts.

Requires public school units to notify the Department of Public Instruction and post information on their websites at least 30 days before providing instruction on prohibited concepts, hiring speakers or trainers who discuss them, or engaging persons who have previously advocated for them.

Exempts from restrictions First Amendment-protected speech, teaching ethnic group history from adopted textbooks, impartial discussion of controversial history, instruction on historical oppression of particular groups, and educational statements that make clear the school does not endorse the concepts.

Extends requirements to charter schools, regional schools, and laboratory schools; effective when enacted (September 3, 2021).