NC in violation of Civil Rights Act - now what?
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- The U.S. Justice Department said Wednesday that a North Carolina law limiting protections to LGBT people violates federal civil rights laws and can't be enforced ... so what does that mean?
What: The Department of Justice has notified Gov. Pat McCrory that House Bill 2 is in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which bars discrimination in the workplace based on sex.
The Justice Department has also notified the 17-campus University of North Carolina system that the state law also violates Title IX of the Civil Rights Act, which bars discrimination in education based on sex, the letter said.
Read more: UNC President says campuses must follow transgender law
Why: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a federal law that prohibits employers from discriminating against employees on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, and religion. It generally applies to employers with 15 or more employees, including federal, state, and local governments.
House Bill 2 takes away local control over anti-discrimination ordinances.
What's at stake: The Justice Department's intervention puts the state in danger of losing hundreds of millions of dollars in federal school funding. So far this school year, North Carolina has received $861 million in funding for public school from the federal government.
What's next: According to the Justice Department's letter, North Carolina has until close of business on Monday, May 9, to confirm to the department that they will not comply with or implement House Bill 2. North Carolina lawmakers are also required to inform employees of State and public agencies that, consistent with federal law, they are permitted to access bathrooms and other facilities consistent with their gender identity.
