Statement on NC Legislature's Veto Overrides

On July 29, the North Carolina General Assembly overrode multiple vetoes from Governor Josh Stein—passing laws that force local sheriffs to detain immigrants for ICE, restrict transgender people's access to basic identity documents, allow concealed weapons in private schools, repeal environmental protections for Duke Energy, and expand government powers to interfere with public agencies. These overrides happened due to the actions of Republican legislators as well as Democratic lawmakers who chose to side with Republicans.

These votes are moral choices that will have devastating human consequences. 

Immigrant families will be separated. Transgender people will face barriers to having identity documents that match who they are. School communities will be less safe. Environmental rollbacks will affect everyone's health and future. 

And this is just the beginning—the full scope of damage these policies will inflict on North Carolina communities extends far beyond what we can list here. They reflect a willingness to sacrifice the rights of immigrants, transgender people, and working-class communities in the name of political expedience.

Carolina Jews for Justice stands firmly against these policies. As Jews, we are commanded to welcome the stranger, to pursue justice, and to protect the vulnerable.

We will continue to organize, educate, and hold our elected officials accountable. North Carolina deserves leadership that prioritizes justice and compassion. Our work continues until that is our reality.