Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam, Maroon 5, Cirque du Soleil, Mumford and Sons, and composer Stephen Schwartz are just some of the many artists and performers that have canceled their shows in North Carolina. The count of canceled performances is now over 30, and is expected to rise.

Every canceled performance is being attributed to the HB 2 law in North Carolina. The law, which states that people must use the bathroom that correlates with the gender listed on their birth certificate, also prevents local governments from making anti-discrimination laws.

On May 20, Maroon 5 announced on their website that they would not be performing in North Carolina.

“We don’t want to penalize our fans in North Carolina by not performing for them, but in the end it comes down to what we feel is morally right.”

While the concerts are still continuing in Iowa, the cancellations still have an impact on us, as the message behind the celebrity’s actions remains.

Senior Maddie Wood has a conflicting view on the HB2 law, yet she still feels that it is important for people to stand up for their beliefs.

“I personally want them to be able to use the bathroom they feel most comfortable in because I don’t see it as a big deal, but in reality I don’t think it’s a good idea because there are bad people out there that will take advantage of it. It just makes it easier for them to do bad things,” Wood said. “I think people take things too far in protests like this but I’m also happy people are fighting for what they believe in.”

Regardless of the stand that you have taken on the issue, it is important to note the powerful influence that our celebrities can have on legislation. The attention that they have drawn to the conflict in North Carolina has intensified the discussions on the law. People who did not previously care about politics, but who are interested in music have felt the impact and are therefore becoming more involved.

“I never really paid much attention to politics, but when I heard that Maroon 5 canceled their concert it got my attention because I like that band. I feel like it will have the same impact on others as well, because a lot of people in our country idolize and look up to celebrities on a lot of issues,” Zach Amsler, sr. said. “On the one hand, it’s good that they are standing up for their moral values, but on the other hand, it’s not fair to the innocent civilians who love their music and had nothing to do with the bill.”