Eight arrested during childcare rally at General Assembly

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — Eight people were arrested on Wednesday as part of a “Deadline for Day Care” rally at the North Carolina General Assembly building.

Organizers, advocates, and faith leaders were gathering to voice their displeasure to state lawmakers for what they say was their failure to provide enough funding for childcare centers across North Carolina, still reeling from the hit they took during COVID-19.

“This General Assembly is out of control. And we went down there today to say our kids are worth it. Our kids are who we want to fight for,” said organizer Rob Stephens. “And childcare providers and teachers shouldn’t be going homeless. Because that’s what’s happening,” he said.

Stephens was among seven others arrested for second-degree trespassing and violating legislative body rules.

The others included: Vaughn Wilhelm of Willow Springs, Emma Biggs and Rodney Sadler Jr from Charlotte, Hillsborough’s Franklin Golden Jr., Ellen Canavan from Cary, and Lucy Rodriguez and Karen Zeigler — both of Durham.

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