In protest of state legislation which revokes LGBTQ community civil rights, Interim President Dan Bernardo issued a memo today prohibiting non-essential travel by university employees to North Carolina.

The restriction is in accordance with a directive from Gov. Jay Inslee, which applies to all unnecessary travel to North Carolina using state funds.

He encouraged higher education institutions to follow suit.

Inslee issued the directive in response to a newly passed bill which requires North Carolina residents to use the bathroom corresponding to their biological sex. The controversial law prevents transgender individuals from using the bathroom appropriate to their gender identity.

“Washington State has a strong history of prohibiting discrimination and promoting diversity and inclusion,” Inslee said. This history includes protections giving transgender people the right to choose bathrooms and locker rooms based on the gender they identify with. Bernardo wrote in the memo that the directive is consistent with WSU values.

The appropriate dean or vice president must approve any travel to North Carolina which is considered essential, Bernardo wrote.

University Controller Terry Eli said previously booked travel is generally not cancelled in the event of such prohibitions.

Reporting by Cody Cottier