INDIANAPOLIS, IN – APRIL 02: NCAA president Dr. Mark Emmert addresses the media during a press conference before the 2015 NCAA Men’s Final Four at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 2, 2015 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

As the issue of what bathrooms people may or may not use continues to be a hot-button issue, the NCAA has taken a stand against those states choosing to adopt “bathroom bills” forcing transgender people to use specific bathrooms.

The NCAA Board of Governors approved an anti-discrimination process for championship bids, with the intent of providing equality for all participants and patrons at NCAA events like postseason tournaments. Such events would include NCAA men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, the big money-makers for the NCAA. The NCAA will ask those placing bids to show how they will provide an environment that is free for all to enjoy without the threat of discrimination based on gender.

“The higher education community is a diverse mix of people from different racial, ethnic, religious and sexual orientation backgrounds,” said Kirk Schulz, president of Kansas State University and chair of the Board of Governors. “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.”

The NCAA has set their own precedent for this type of action. States that have the Confederate flag flown are prohibited from hosting any NCAA-sanctioned event outside of regular season competition. Also, schools that adopt a Native American nickname or mascot are also prohibited from hosting similar events. Exemptions may be made, but the rule has led to a number of schools to change their mascots and nicknames over the years to less offensive icons.

Between these different agendas laid out by the NCAA, the message is clear that the organization is focused on ensuring there is a safe playing field for all to attend and enjoy their events without the fear of being isolated based on race, culture, gender or sexuality. At least the NCAA manages to get some things right.

[NCAA]

About Kevin McGuire

Contributor to Athlon Sports and The Comeback. Previously contributed to NBCSports.com. Host of the Locked On Nittany Lions Podcast. FWAA member and Philadelphia-area resident.