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NCAA Championship Events in NC Another Casualty of HB2

The NCAA has pulled seven championship events from North Carolina, including opening-weekend men's basketball tournament games, for the coming year due to a state law that some say can lead to discrimination against LGBT people. In a news releaseMonday, the NCAA says the decision by its board of governors came "because of the cumulative actions taken by the state concerning civil rights protections."

“Fairness is about more than the opportunity to participate in college sports, or even compete for championships,” said Mark Emmert, NCAA president. “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 North Carolina Republican Party called the decision "so absurd it's almost comical."

"Under the NCAA's logic, colleges should make cheerleaders and football players share bathrooms, showers and hotel rooms," said party spokeswoman Kami Mueller. "This decision is an assault to female athletes across the nation. If you are unwilling to have women’s bathrooms and locker rooms, how do you have a women's team?"

Along with men's basketball tournament games set for Greensboro, the NCAA will relocate:

— the Division I women's soccer championship;

— the Division III men's and women's soccer championships;

— the Division I women's golf regional championships;

— the Division III men's and women's tennis championships;

— the Division I women's lacrosse championship;

— and the Division II baseball championship.

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