Athlete Ally Applauds NCAA’s New Anti-Discrimination Guidelines
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ted Rybka
ted.rybka@athleteally.org/347-705-9760
NEW YORK, NY (April 28, 2016) – The NCAA Board of Governors announced new guidelines to determine which cities and states could host NCAA events – from educational seminars to championship events.
At its quarterly meeting in Indianapolis on Wednesday, Apr. 27, the board adopted new measures requiring sites hosting or bidding on any NCAA event, in all divisions, must demonstrate how they will provide an environment that is “safe, healthy, and free of discrimination, plus safeguards the dignity of everyone involved in the event.”
This new requirement is in response to the rash of new anti-LGBT laws introduced and adopted in several states’ legislatures.
Kirk Schulz, president of Kansas State University and chair of the Board of Governors said:
The higher education community is a diverse mix of people from different racial, ethnic, religious and sexual orientation backgrounds. So it is important that we assure that community – including our student-athletes and fans – will always enjoy the experience of competing and watching at NCAA championships without concerns of discrimination.
In response to the NCAA’s decision, Athlete Ally Founder & Executive Director Hudson Taylor said:
The NCAA has made it clear that every fan, athlete, and administrator, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, should be treated equally on the field of play, in the stands and under the law. This decision will help ensure that any city or state wishing to host NCAA events will put into practice the principles of respect and inclusion for all and is a tremendous example for other sports organizations to follow.
Ashland Johnson, Athlete Ally’s Director of Policy added:
The NCAA’s response to the recent onslaught of anti-LGBT laws demonstrates that fairness and inclusion is the law of the land. Any city or state who thinks otherwise will not be given the honor of hosting championship events. These anti-LGBT laws have a negative impact on students, players, coaches, fans and staff and are antithetical to the values of sports and the NCAA.
About Athlete Ally
Athlete Ally is a non-profit organization that educates and empowers the athletic community to take a stand against homophobia and transphobia in sports. Athlete Ally works with MLB, the NBA, WNBA, and NBPA on player development and LGBT inclusion. It also co-wrote the NCAA’s LGBT policies and resource guides and partners with over a hundred professional athletes and college campuses to promote LGBT equality and respect.
To contact Athlete Ally:
Ashland Johnson
Director of Policy & Campaigns
Athlete Ally
ashland.johnson@athleteally.org
404-723-1675
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