Virginia Tech supports ACC stance against North Carolina House Bill 2

BLACKSBURG (WSLS 10) - The Atlantic Coast Conference announced Wednesday it's pulling its championship games out of North Carolina.

The decision is a result of House Bill Two, known as the "Bathroom Law".

It restricts transgender people from choosing their preferred bathroom.

The ACC's decision comes after a similar one by the NCAA.

In its statement released Wednesday, the Virginia Tech said it supports the ACC's decision, and speaking with students, they agree that, with a diverse group of athletes at the conference's 15 schools, the ACC made the right call.

The ACC Council of Presidents announced its decision in a statement Wednesday, saying "We believe North Carolina House Bill 2 is inconsistent with... the values of equality, diversity, inclusion and non-discrimination."

Virginia Tech student Rachel McGraw says she and many of her peers agree.

"I think it's a really good thing that they're doing, standing up for what they believe in," said McGraw.

Tech also supported the decision in a statement, saying it would not subject students to House Bill Two.

The University says "We must prepare students to thrive and lead in a world of ever-increasing complexity and diversity."

McGraw is from North Carolina, and is frustrated her home state put her athletic conference in this position.

"I'm disappointed in North Carolina. I love the state, I loved growing up there, but that's just wrong, and it's something that's not just affecting the people there who are transgender and things like that, but people everywhere just because it's a shame to see," said McGraw.

The Council of Presidents says it will find other venues for championship sport events.

WSLS learned from the Christiansburg Aquatic Center Wednesday that it has already been contacted as a potential neutral site to host events for swimming and diving.

Although it just happened, McGraw says it's already having an affect on her at school, and back home.

"I know probably everyone else from North Carolina is going to be a little shocked by this and definitely upset," said McGraw.

Both the Aquatic Center and Virginia Tech have declined on-camera interviews about the move until a later date.

The Council of Presidents has not said when it will be releasing a list of new venues for the ACC's athletic championships this year.