Friday, June 20, 2025

Follow

Contact Support Us

Wayne, Pa.’s B Lab is taking a stand against North Carolina’s HB2

Jay Coen Gilbert, B Lab cofounder, at the group's Main Line offices. April 15, 2016 Category: PurposeShort
When you’re a socially minded business, your actions had better reflect your mission statement.

B Lab, the Wayne, Pa.-based nonprofit that certifies companies as B Corps, had planned for its 2016 B Corp Champions Retreat to be held in North Carolina this October. The event is an international gathering of B Corp CEOs and other leaders.

But in light of the state’s passage of House Bill 2, the Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act, which bars transgender individuals from using public bathrooms that do not match the sex noted on their birth certificates, B Lab’s plans have changed: The retreat and all related activities are being relocated.

Here’s B Lab’s rationale for the decision, according to a statement on its blog:

  • “HB2 is contrary to our B Corp values” — B Lab values inclusivity and community, and this bill aligns itself against both.
  • “Relocating and engaging can have a direct impact on creating the change we seek” — Retreat attendees will represent almost 1,700 international companies. Word about North Carolina’s bill and B Lab’s successive protest will travel.
  • “Safety & Comfort” — All members of the B Corp community deserve to feel safe, and transgender community members may not feel safe under these circumstances.

In a 2012 interview with Generocity, B Lab cofounder Jay Coen Gilbert told us he was passionate about B Corps because “The only hope we have of addressing our most challenging problems is if we use business to do that.” By protesting North Carolina’s law, B Lab is practicing what it’s preaching by actively fighting the challenging problem of discrimination.

Read the full statement

From our Partners

Trending News

Combating Food Insecurity in Philadelphia: A Multi-Pronged Effort Part 3 (Food Education and Government Responsibility) Laura Duarte Bateman
Gun Violence Stats Are Dropping; Fear Among Youth Remains High Youthcast Media Group
Parents Step Up As Advocates For Underfunded Schools Kathleen Riley
ImpactPHL Convenes 450 at Total Impact Summit ‘25 ImpactPHL Perspectives
Defining Your Non-Negotiables: A Guide for Social Impact Leaders Andrea Carter

Related Posts

June 10, 2025

ImpactPHL Convenes 450 at Total Impact Summit ‘25

Read More >
September 24, 2021

HB 972: 'What these lawmakers are doing is bullying'

Read More >
May 27, 2021

Girls Rock Philly will change its name to center trans identities

Read More >