Protesters stage restroom sit-ins at UNCW, other NC campuses

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Students and faculty at UNCW gathered outside the restrooms on the first floor of Morton Hall today for a sit-in in protest of House Bill 2, which was signed into law last month.

The protest was in conjunction with similar protests at colleges across the state.

Organizers say it’s important to stand up for government transparency and ostracized groups in america.

“It’s time that Pat McCrory acknowledge the people of North Carolina have stood up, and they’ve made their voices heard, and they’ve let him know clearly and concisely what we want for the future of this state, and whether he chooses to ignore it or listen is up to him entirely,” organizer Nada Merghani said.

While bathrooms have been the big focus, opponents say the law also discriminates against people based on age, gender, race and even veteran status.

Supporters of HB2 argue the law provides common sense privacy protection for North Carolina residents and does not keep private businesses from creating additional protections.