The NCAA just took a major stance against North Carolina’s anti-LGBT law.
The organization announced a new rule that will require any city that wants to host NCAA events like the Final Four to “provide an environment that is safe, healthy, and free of discrimination.”
The requirement was passed on Wednesday during the NCAA’s Board of Governors meeting in Indianapolis.
It will apply to all NCAA events — from men’s and women’s sports tournaments to educational events. It applies to future events that are already scheduled and to cities that want to bid on events.
Host cities must prove they can insure the “dignity of everyone involved in the event.”
The NCAA said in a statement that the new rule comes after the passage of laws that are seen as discriminatory.
North Carolina passed a law in March that prevents cities in the state from enacting non-discrimination policies based on gender identity. (The law came about after Charlotte passed just such an ordinance.) It also requires people to use the public restroom that corresponds with the gender on their birth certificate.
In 2017 and 2018, Greensboro and Charlotte, North Carolina are scheduled to host first- and second-round men’s basketball tournament games.
The NCAA also said it has a history of using “the opportunity to host its events” as a way to “make clear its values.”
NCAA championships also cannot be held in cities that fly the Confederate flag or at schools with nicknames or mascots offensive to Native Americans.
The president of the Human Rights Campaign, Chad Griffin, said “the NCAA has sent a very clear message.”
