Greensboro and Charlotte must "prove to the NCAA how each site will provide a discrimination-free zone in their respective arenas, or risk losing hosting privileges for the NCAA tournament's first and second rounds" in '17 and '18, according to NCAA officials cited by Andy Katz of ESPN.com. The response was due to the NCAA BOG yesterday "adopting an anti-discrimination measure" at their quarterly meeting in Indianapolis. The action comes after North Carolina and Mississippi recently "passed laws that critics say can allow discrimination against members of the LGBT community" (ESPN.com, 4/27). In Indianapolis, Dana Hunsinger Benbow notes the BOG's decision "makes it a requirement in the bidding process for championships, just as it has requirements for access for people with disabilities and details on playing and practice facilities." The NCAA said that among the laws in cities it "would shy away from are those that allow businesses and organizations to refuse to provide services based on a person's sexual orientation or gender identity." Yesterday's vote "could affect cities already awarded bids and ensures the new rules will be implemented for any future bids" (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 4/28).
