The NCAA announced Monday that it will relocate all seven championships that were previously scheduled to take place in the state of North Carolina for the 2016-17 academic year. The announcement stated that the decision was made “because of the cumulative actions taken by the state concerning civil rights protections,” all relating to North Carolina’s controversial House Bill 2.
Later in the evening, ACC commissioner John Swofford released a statement, taking a firm stance on the issue.
“The decision by the NCAA Board of Governors to relocate all current, and not award any future, NCAA Championship sites in the state of North Carolina continues to build upon the negative impact this bill has already had on the state,” Swofford said. “HB2 was previously scheduled to be thoroughly discussed at this week’s ACC Council of Presidents meeting, so it would be premature to make any decisions or announcements regarding ACC Championships until our membership is able to discuss. The league’s longstanding commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion will continue to be a central theme to our discussions.
“On a personal note, it’s time for this bill to be repealed as it’s counter to basic human rights.”