Eight people arrested during child care rally at General Assembly

RALEIGH, North Carolina (WTVD) — Eight people were arrested Wednesday in connection with a “Daycare Deadline” rally at the North Carolina General Assembly building.

Organizers, advocates and faith leaders have come together to express their displeasure with state lawmakers for what they say is their failure to provide sufficient funding for North Carolina child care centers, still reeling from the blow that they suffered during COVID-19.

“This General Assembly is out of control. And we went out there today to say that our children are worth it. Our children are the ones we want to fight for,” said organizer Rob Stephens. “And child care providers and teachers shouldn't be left homeless. Because that's what's happening,” he said.

Stephens was among seven others arrested for second-degree trespassing and violating the legislature's rules.

Others included: Vaughn Wilhelm of Willow Springs, Emma Biggs and Rodney Sadler Jr. of Charlotte, Franklin Golden Jr. of Hillsborough, Ellen Canavan of Cary, and Lucy Rodriguez and Karen Zeigler – both of Durham.

The group called on lawmakers to provide enough money to bridge the so-called “funding cliff” facing child care providers.

“If (the protests) led to that, then we were prepared to participate in nonviolent civil disobedience to make sure they knew that,” Biggs said after his release from prison. “This is the first time in North Carolina that we've fought over child custody like this. And we shouldn't have to keep fighting for what's ours. I know they heard us. I know that they have received a lot of messages from us. The question is whether this will really saturate their hearts and whether they will actually show compassion.

Senate lawmakers passed Senate Bill 357 Wednesday afternoon, which paves the way for $67 million in funding for child care centers under the Children's Stabilization Grant. Any child care center that meets the eligibility criteria can receive the grant if approved.

“In a sane world, I don't understand why the leaders of the General Assembly of an elected democracy wouldn't meet with the people they care for. The most vulnerable, who we believe are the most valuable,” Stephens said.

The eight arrested people are due to appear in court on July 31.