The NCAA’s Board of Governors adopted a strong nondiscrimination policy Wednesday that could put future events in jeopardy in states like North Carolina, which recently enacted the anti-LGBT HB2 law. Sites that hope to host upcoming events—such as sports tournaments and educational conferences—must now demonstrate how they will facilitate an event that’s “free of discrimination" in a variety of ways, including on the basis of one’s sexual orientation and gender identity. The IndyStar has the details:
The board’s decision makes it a requirement in the bidding process for championships, just as it has requirements for access for people with disabilities and details on playing and practice facilities. […]
"The Association considers the promotion of inclusiveness in race, religion, sexual orientation and gender identity as a vital element to protecting the well-being of student-athletes, promoting diversity in hiring practices and creating a culture of fairness," the NCAA said in a statement. Among the laws in cities the NCAA would shy away from are those that allow businesses and organizations to refuse to provide services based on a person's sexual orientation or gender identity, the organization said.
Greensboro and Charlotte, North Carolina, are lined up as host cities for first- and second-round NCAA basketball tournaments in 2017 and 2018. ESPN’s Andy Katz sought comment from the NCAA on what will be required of them.
In a statement provided to ESPN, the NCAA said, "Currently awarded sites must report how they will provide an environment that is safe, healthy and free of discrimination, plus safeguards the dignity of everyone involved in the event. The information must be reported to the Board of Governors Ad Hoc Committee to Promote Cultural Diversity and Equity, and full implementation is expected during the current bidding process.''
Sadly, Charlotte tried to enact exactly the type of ordinance that would have provided an inclusive and safe environment. The new decision falls in line with other NCAA policies that prohibit the organization from holding championship play in states where the government flies the Confederate flag and at schools whose nicknames include offensive Native American images.