The NCAA announced on Monday the relocation of seven previously awarded championship events from the state of North Carolina during the 2016-17 academic year as a result of the state’s House Bill 2 that supposedly discriminates against members of the LGBT community.
The NBA moved its the All-Star game in Charlotte for the same reasons.
The NCAA cited “state laws that limit civil rights protections” and emphasized that its championship events must promote an “inclusive atmosphere for all college athletes, coaches, administrators and fans.”
“Fairness is about more than the opportunity to participate in college sports, or even compete for championships,” NCAA President Mark Emmert said in a statement. “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.”
The seven events that will be relocated are:
► 2016 Division I Women’s Soccer Championship, College Cup (Cary), Dec. 2 and 4.
► 2016 Division III Men’s and Women’s Soccer Championships (Greensboro), Dec. 2 and 3.
► 2017 Division I Men’s Basketball Championship, first/second rounds (Greensboro), March 17 and 19.
► 2017 Division I Women’s Golf Championships, regional (Greenville), May 8-10.
► 2017 Division III Men’s and Women’s Tennis Championships (Cary), May 22-27.
► 2017 Division I Women’s Lacrosse Championship (Cary), May 26 and 28.
► 2017 Division II Baseball Championship (Cary), May 27-June 3.
New locations for the championship events are expected soon.
SOURCE: USA Today Sports – Scott Gleeson
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