The NCAA has now joined the NBA and other organizations pulling its official events out of the state of North Carolina due to concern over the state's House Bill 2. Emphasizing an "inclusive atmosphere for all college athletes, coaches, administrators and fans," the NCAA announced it would be pulling seven championships from the state, including a site for the 2017 NCAA Tournament.
"Fairness is about more than the opportunity to participate in college sports, or even compete for championships," said Mark Emmert, NCAA president 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 NCAA has previously pulled its championships from other states for various reasons, and cites four problematic aspects of North Carolina's current laws, including HB2.
"North Carolina has the only statewide law that makes it unlawful to use a restroom different from the gender of one's birth certificate, regardless of gender identity," the Board of Governors stressed in its announcement.
The law, which Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski called "embarrassing," has also led to non-sports cancellation, including a Bruce Springsteen and Pearl Jam concerts. Currently New York and Minnesota are among the states that have mandates against "non-essential" travel to North Carolina. Albany and Vermont have both canceled non-conference sporting in events in the state as well.
