Reflecting on President Hatch’s statement regarding HB2

On March 26th, North Carolina legislators passed the HB2 Legislation. The first Section of this piece of legislation, commonly referred to as the Bathroom Bill, requires that all individuals use the public bathroom and changing facilities that correspond with their “biological sex.” In consequence, members of the LGBTQ community and other like-minded individuals are outraged and offended.

Wake Forest, a private institution, adopted a resolution against House Bill 2 (HB2).

On Monday, President Hatch reiterated the University’s opposition to this Law. Hatch said, “The operations of private institutions, like Wake Forest, are not directly affected by this legislation.” He went on to say “our non-discrimination statement provides protection for gender identity and sexual orientation.

“However, there is no doubting HB2’s negative impact on members of our university community and the greater Winston-Salem and North Carolina community; on our institution, as we seek to recruit, retain and welcome students, faculty, staff and visitors; and on our society, as it works to appreciate differences in an increasingly polarized culture.”

This does actually happen.

President Hatch described a university as a place where “academic freedom and freedom of expression are fundamental.” He continued, stating universities are a “place where community members can voice their beliefs – whether progressive or conservative, radical or traditional. It’s a place where we prize diversity, equity and a culture that encourages success and fulfillment for all.

“It’s a place where we strive to enhance students’ capability to disagree, in a spirit of courtesy and friendship, with those whose opinions they do not understand or appreciate… And it’s a place where we stand up for one another in the face of discrimination.”

President Hatch is concerned with how we can “seek solutions that affirm the diversity among us. In North Carolina, a state that has long mediated conservative and progressive traditions, it is unfortunate that our leaders have not found common ground in ways that recognize the equality of all of our citizens.”

President Hatch draws a direct juxtaposition between the “divisive nature of HB2 [and] the inclusive values of Wake Forest.” He explains, “for this, among other reasons, I wish to make clear my opposition to it.” President Hatch is speaking for himself, and there are students on campus that favor this piece of legislation.

President Hatch as the Phantom of the Opera.

Wake Forest, in some people’s eyes, is a conservative and traditional University, and there are times when I agree with this idea. But, more often than not, Wake Forest’s administration tries to adopt an open-mind to crucial and consequential events. President Hatch is speaking for the University, the students, and the faculty by claiming that WFU opposes HB2. Some students would rather voice their own opinions on this issue.

For example, one senior English major, who asked to remain anonymous, said, “President Hatch’s statement should come from himself, reflecting a personal view – not the University as a collective especially since he plainly says that the institution would not be affected.”

When speaking with other students, I have come to see that many agree with President Hatch’s sentiments, but would like to voice them in their own way.