Raleigh, NC - The North Carolina Association of Educators strongly oppose the passage of SB-49. We urge lawmakers to prioritize setting students up for success rather than putting forth legislation that threatens their safety and well-being.
NCAE President Tamika Walker Kelly released the following statement in response to the passage of SB-49:
“Every student deserves the freedom to learn and grow without the threat of being outed or ostracized for their identity. Educators deserve the trust they already have from the majority of parents to teach age-appropriate lessons and prepare students for success in the future. Legislators promoting SB 49 claim it will protect parents and students, but what this bill really does is tell members of our community, especially those who are LGBTQ+, that they are not welcome. It’s unconscionable that some lawmakers would put forth legislation that harms students, especially marginalized students, rather than addressing staffing and continue funding for our public schools.
“No matter what we look like, where we come from, or how we express our genders, we all deserve fully funded and fully resourced public schools. We know that most parents trust their child’s teachers and we will not allow legislation to drive wedges between us. While we are dismayed by today’s vote on SB 49, NCAE will continue to work with community members and legislators of all backgrounds to build the schools our students deserve.”
