NCAA to move championship games from North Carolina over anti-gay bill
Tue. September 13, 2016 9:39 AM by Carlos Santoscoy
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) on Monday announced that it would relocate all seven previously awarded championship events from North Carolina over the state's anti-gay law.
The NCAA's Board of Governors said its move was a result of "the cumulative action taken by the state concerning civil rights protections."
"Fairness is about more than the opportunity to participate in college sports, or even compete for championships," said NCAA President Mark Emmert. "We believe in providing a safe and respectful environment at our events and are committed to providing the best experience possible for college athletes, fans and everyone taking part in our championships."
North Carolina's law, known as House Bill 2, was approved during a one-day special session in March. It blocks cities and municipalities from enacting measure which prohibit discrimination against the LGBT community. The law is also the first to prohibit transgender people from using the bathroom of their choice in government buildings, including schools.
"This decision is consistent with the NCAA's long-standing core values of inclusion, student-athlete well-being and creating a culture of fairness," said G.P. "Bud" Peterson, chair of NCAA's Board of Governors and president of Georgia Institute of Technology.
The action covers championship games awarded during the 2016-17 academic year.
The NCAA's Board of Governors said its move was a result of "the cumulative action taken by the state concerning civil rights protections."
"Fairness is about more than the opportunity to participate in college sports, or even compete for championships," said NCAA President Mark Emmert. "We believe in providing a safe and respectful environment at our events and are committed to providing the best experience possible for college athletes, fans and everyone taking part in our championships."
North Carolina's law, known as House Bill 2, was approved during a one-day special session in March. It blocks cities and municipalities from enacting measure which prohibit discrimination against the LGBT community. The law is also the first to prohibit transgender people from using the bathroom of their choice in government buildings, including schools.
"This decision is consistent with the NCAA's long-standing core values of inclusion, student-athlete well-being and creating a culture of fairness," said G.P. "Bud" Peterson, chair of NCAA's Board of Governors and president of Georgia Institute of Technology.
The action covers championship games awarded during the 2016-17 academic year.
Article provided in partnership with On Top Magazine