North Carolina General Statutes 126-14.5. Compelled speech prohibited
(a) Each State agency, department, and institution shall comply with the following:
(1) Refrain from soliciting or requiring an applicant for employment to endorse or opine about beliefs, affiliations, ideals, or principles regarding matters of contemporary political debate or social action as a condition of employment.
Terms Used In North Carolina General Statutes 126-14.5
- Amendment: A proposal to alter the text of a pending bill or other measure by striking out some of it, by inserting new language, or both. Before an amendment becomes part of the measure, thelegislature must agree to it.
- following: when used by way of reference to any section of a statute, shall be construed to mean the section next preceding or next following that in which such reference is made; unless when some other section is expressly designated in such reference. See North Carolina General Statutes 12-3
- state: when applied to the different parts of the United States, shall be construed to extend to and include the District of Columbia and the several territories, so called; and the words "United States" shall be construed to include the said district and territories and all dependencies. See North Carolina General Statutes 12-3
(2) Refrain from soliciting or requiring an applicant for employment to describe the applicant’s actions in support of, or in opposition to, the beliefs, affiliations, ideals, or principles identified in subdivision (1) of this subsection.
(b) Nothing in subsection (a) shall infringe on the ability of an applicant for employment to voluntarily opine or speak regarding any matter, including matters of contemporary political debate or social action.
(c) No application for employment shall inquire into matters prohibited as compelled speech under this section.
(d) Nothing in this section shall be construed to:
(1) Prohibit discussion with or questions to an applicant regarding the content of the applicant’s resume, curriculum vitae, or other written work or oral remarks.
(2) Affect the ability of the prospective employing agency from complying with applicable federal or State law, including employment oaths, appointment affidavits, and licensure and certification requirements.
(3) Apply to speech protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. (2023-62, s. 1(a).)