Rev. William Barber II Escorted Out of Movie Theater, Demands Change for Disabilities

Civil rights leader Rev. William Barber II was escorted by police out of a North Carolina movie theater after he insisted on using his own chair for medical reasons. An apology has since been issued from AMC, the nation’s largest movie theater chain after the incident. Barber made it clear that he suffers from ankylosing spondylitis, a disabling bone disease, and needed to use his own chair during a showing of “The Color Purple” in Greenville.

Although the police department stated that Barber agreed to leave the theater voluntarily, a video of the incident showed him talking to an officer before walking out. Barber believes that the incident is not merely about him personally, but rather highlights the need for a change in systemic policies to ensure that no one is excluded from public spaces. Barber, who is a co-chair of the national Poor People’s Campaign and president of the non-profit Repairers of the Breach, stated that it is crucial to provide accommodations required under the Americans with Disabilities Act to prioritize those with disabilities.

AMC issued an apology, expressing that they welcome and work hard to accommodate guests with disabilities, and that they are reviewing their policies to avoid similar situations in the future. Barber is hopeful that the incident will lead to positive changes for those with disabilities and stated that he will be meeting with the chairman of AMC Entertainment Holdings in the upcoming week. Barber previously served as president of the North Carolina NAACP, leading protests over voter access at the Statehouse. He also led the campaign which resulted him and more than 1,000 people being arrested for civil disobedience. Barber has played a remarkable role in the fight for civil rights and equality and continues to be a leading voice in the community.