Holly Springs Adopts Nondiscrimination Ordinance

Town council votes to recognize equal rights protections for all residents

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The Holly Springs town council voted 5-1 to adopt Wake County's nondiscrimination ordinance, which prohibits discrimination in public accommodations and employment based on factors like race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and disability. The move comes after years of previous council rejections, with the current members elected in the past three years.

Why it matters

The new ordinance signals Holly Springs' commitment to creating an inclusive community that welcomes all residents, following in the footsteps of other Wake County municipalities. It also aligns the town's laws with the nondiscrimination policies already in place at many of its major employers in the science and biotech sectors.

The details

The nondiscrimination ordinance, adopted at Tuesday's town council meeting, recognizes that discrimination is detrimental to the 'health, safety, and welfare' of Holly Springs residents. It prohibits discrimination based on factors like race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, and disability. The ordinance was opposed by some residents who argued it was unnecessary and placed burdens on small businesses, but council members said it was an important step to ensure equal rights protections.

  • The Holly Springs town council voted to adopt the nondiscrimination ordinance on February 19, 2026.
  • The ordinance had been rejected by previous town councils for nearly four years prior to the current council's approval.

The players

Mike Kondratick

The mayor of Holly Springs, who said the ordinance recognizes that the town 'offers a home to everyone without question, without exception.'

Chris Deshazor

A Holly Springs town council member who argued the town needs to 'continue to evolve and grow' in ensuring equal rights protections.

Danielle Hewetson

The sole council member who voted against adopting the nondiscrimination ordinance.

Sarah Lawson

A Holly Springs town council member who joined in December and said 'No percentage is too small to fight discrimination.'

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What they’re saying

“Holly Springs offers a home to everyone without question, without exception.”

— Mike Kondratick, Mayor of Holly Springs (qnotescarolinas.com)

“Look around in this room – the majority of you could not vote on equal rights 158 years ago, because only white males could vote. We have to continue to evolve and to grow.”

— Chris Deshazor, Holly Springs Town Council Member (qnotescarolinas.com)

“Once we know better, we do better. No percentage is too small to fight discrimination.”

— Sarah Lawson, Holly Springs Town Council Member (qnotescarolinas.com)

What’s next

The new nondiscrimination ordinance will go into effect immediately, providing equal rights protections for all Holly Springs residents.

The takeaway

Holly Springs' adoption of a comprehensive nondiscrimination ordinance demonstrates the town's commitment to creating an inclusive community that welcomes people of all backgrounds, following in the footsteps of other Wake County municipalities. This move aligns the town's laws with the values and policies already embraced by its major employers in the science and biotech sectors.