North Carolina is an employment-at-will state, so an employer can dismiss an employee for any reason, provided that they do not specifically violate the employee’s contract. Wrongful termination may occur if an employee is fired based on factors such as disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, equal employment (race, culture, religion, language), whistleblower protection, or a violation of the WARN Act (60-day notice prior to closing or mass layoff).