The National Collegiate Athletic Association announced on Monday that it will be moving seven 2016-17 academic year championship events from North Carolina, including the first and second rounds of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. This decision comes as the result of concerns over the state’s controversial House Bill 2 law.
House Bill 2 law, or HB2, is simplistically referred to as the “bathroom bill” because it requires that transgender people use the bathroom that corresponds with the gender they were assigned at birth. The law also says that LGBTQ people are not a part of North Carolina’s anti-discrimination protections.
In a statement, the NCAA president Mark Emmert said that the decision came down to “fairness and inclusion.”
“Fairness is about more than the opportunity to participate in college sports, or even compete for championships,” Emmert said. “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.”
Charlotte native and men’s basketball team point guard Alec Wintering says that he feels for the people of Charlotte.
“It has to be tough for the people of Charlotte,” Wintering said. “It is a passionate city for sports and a great host city. Pulling all championships had to be a difficult decision.”
Wintering told The Beacon that he isn’t upset with the NCAA’s decision but is disappointed that there is no longer an opportunity to play in his hometown if the Pilots earn a March Madness berth.
His family still lives in Charlotte.
The NBA pulled the 2017 All-Star game from Charlotte in July and relocated the festivities to New Orleans. The organization also cited HB2 as the primary reason for the move.
The NCAA is expected to make a decision on the new location soon.
Events being moved:
2016 Division I women’s soccer championship, College Cup Dec. 2 and 4.
2016 Division III men’s and women’s soccer championships Dec. 2 and 3.
2017 Division I men’s basketball championship, first and second rounds March 17 and 19.
2017 Division I women’s golf championships, regional May 8 to 10.
2017 Division III men’s and women’s tennis championships, May 22 to 27.
2017 Division I women’s lacrosse championship, May 26 and 28.
2017 Division II baseball championship, May 27 to June 3.
