Although the CIAA said it does not support North Carolina’s controversial House Bill 2, the conference will not move its coveted basketball tournament from Charlotte, the league announced Thursday.
In a statement, the CIAA said the conference is “committed to our Charlotte community and have no intentions to relocate our headquarters or the upcoming men’s and women’s basketball tournament.”
The CIAA’s declaration came shortly after the NBA announced it would move the 2017 NBA All-Star Game from Charlotte because of discriminaton concerns over HB2.
In March, North Carolina passed House Bill 2, which restricts transgender individuals from using the bathroom of the gender they identify with. The bill also makes it difficult for victims of workplace discrimination to sue in state court.
In 2014, the CIAA signed an extension with the city to keep the tournament in Charlotte through the 2020 season.
“As we assess current and future championship locations, the CIAA will ensure that the host city and venue demonstrate a commitment to provide inclusive and non-discriminatory practices,” the statement said. “In addition, the conference will continue to collaborate with organizations and its member institutions to educate, implement, and tell a story that will leave a lasting impact and establish change in our communities.”
In response to the bill, the Duke’s men’s basketball team Nov. 12 game versus Albany was cancelled after New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo passed an executive order that banned New York schools from competing in North Carolina.
“The CIAA’s decision to continue to host championships in North Carolina, where 8 of our 12 member institutions reside, and hold its headquarters in Charlotte is a decision made for the best interest of the conference. We have a shared responsibility to work together as members of this community for the safety and well-being of our student-athletes, fans, and alumni.”
This was the right move for several reasons.