NCAA Site Selection Announcement Flawed and Concerning
Today, the NCAA announced the host cities and universities being awarded contests in championship tournaments through 2022. The ability to host championship events should be treated as a privilege, and should be awarded to the states and universities that have committed to creating an environment that is safe, healthy, and free from discrimination, for people of every sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.
Once again, the NCAA has failed to clearly articulate what constitutes an inclusive environment. In today’s decision, the NCAA awarded contests to states that are actively debating and considering anti-LGBT legislation, potentially putting their LGBT student-athletes in harms way.
“The NCAA’s decision to award contests to states like North Carolina, Texas and Alabama is deeply concerning,” said Hudson Taylor, executive director of Athlete Ally. “Until the NCAA clearly publishes what constitutes an inclusive and safe environment for LGBT players, coaches, fans, administrators and officials, they will continue threatening the safety of the LGBT community at their championship events.”
In North Carolina, The NCAA has failed to see the true consequences HB142 (the fake “replacement” for HB2) would have on the LGBT community. HB142 prohibits local government entities from extending legal protections to LGBT people until 2020. HB142 bans protections for transgender individuals in restrooms and other single-sex spaces forever. The bill makes it illegal to protect people from discrimination.
In Texas, state legislators continue to debate nearly a dozen anti-LGBT bills that would target the LGBT community in a variety of ways.
In Alabama, the state continues to debate Senate Bill 1. The bill imposes sex-segregation restrictions on public facilities and stipulates criminal and civil enforcement.
Media Contact: Taylor Carr, taylor.carr@athleteally.org or 315-945-7480