NCAA says locales with discriminatory laws can’t host major events
The collegiate sports organization will require that cities and states seeking to host tournaments and championship games provide inclusive environments for players and fans.
Faced with increasing pressure to repeal controversial legislation, North Carolina’s sports-hosting privileges hang in the balance.
On Wednesday, the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s board of governors announced a policy that requires cities and states to have nondiscrimination ordinances or statutes in place in order to host tournaments and championship games.
The announcement, made during the board’s quarterly meeting in Indianapolis, comes after North Carolina and Mississippi passed “freedom of religion” laws, which critics say are discriminatory toward the LGBT community.
The NCAA issued a press release outlining its stance, along with a video from Kirk Schulz, president of Kansas State University and chair of the NCAA’s board of governors:
In the release, the NCAA said the decision highlights the organization’s commitment to an “inclusive atmosphere” at its events:
The board’s decision reaffirms the NCAA commitment to operate championships and events that promote an inclusive atmosphere in which student-athletes participate, coaches and administrators lead and fans engage.
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