How do we legally terminate an employee contract?

Q: “An employee’s contract terms include that if either party decides to terminate the contract, a 30-day notice must be given. The employee turns in their 30-day notice as the terms of the agreement states, but the employer doesn’t honor the 30-day notice, telling them the notice won’t need to be fulfilled, making the employee’s last day effective immediately. Does that make the employer obligated by the terms of contract to pay the employee for the duration of notice given?” – Lauren, North Carolina