After Republican Indiana Governor Mike Pence signed a “religious freedom bill” into law Thursday, NCAA President Mark Emmert stated that he was “especially concerned” about how that would affect future events the NCAA would possibly hold in the state. In essence, Emmert threatened the state legislature and governor with no more Final Fours, regional basketball tournaments and other high-profile sporting events if they keep this law on the books. Also, it seems that Emmert may consider moving the NCAA headquarters, located in Indianapolis, to another state if no action is taken.
The NCAA isn’t alone in letting the state know that it has made a huge mistake in passing the anti-gay law. After the state legislature passed the bill but it was still awaiting Pence’s signature, Gen Con announced that they would not hold their annual gaming convention in Indianapolis if the law were enacted. Gen Con attracts over 50,000 convention goers every year and is a huge boost to the local economy. On Thursday, Gen Con sent a tweet saying that its CEO was preparing another letter to send to Governor Pence, presumably to tell him that Gen Con would hold true to its promise.
Adrian is writing a follow-up letter for #gencon attendees today. We appreciate your passion and support. We’re proud of our community.
— Gen Con (@Gen_Con) March 26, 2015
Tech company Salesforce announced on Thursday that it would cancel all programs that required its employees, clients and customers to travel to Indiana in wake of the law’s enactment. Salesforce’s CEO, Marc Benioff, had attempted to change Pence’s mind Wednesday when he and other CEOs wrote a letter to the Governor informing him that signing the bill could lead to negative economic implications for the state. Benioff followed through on his threat Thursday and put the state on blast via Twitter.
Today we are canceling all programs that require our customers/employees to travel to Indiana to face discrimination. http://t.co/SvTwyCHxvE
— Marc Benioff (@Benioff) March 26, 2015
Attention Tech CEOs/Industry: pay attn to what is happening in IN & how it will impact your employees & customers. http://t.co/SvTwyCZ8nc
— Marc Benioff (@Benioff) March 26, 2015
Have you asked your company’s CEO how they are responding to the Indiana discrimination bill now? http://t.co/SvTwyCZ8nc
— Marc Benioff (@Benioff) March 26, 2015
As for the NCAA’s statement regarding the Indiana’s new law, Benioff lauded Emmert for his actions and attempt to get Indiana to see the light regarding blatant discrimination.
Thank you to the @NCAA president! Mark Emmert he says will closely monitor how the new Indiana law affects student-athletes & employees.
— Marc Benioff (@Benioff) March 26, 2015
Some went so far as to say that if the NCAA really wants to put Indiana’s feet to the fire, they should go ahead and pull this year’s Final Four from Indianapolis, which starts next week.
Simple fact: after Indiana enacts a law permitting prejudice against some of its customers, NCAA should pull Final 4 out of Indy. Right now
— Keith Olbermann (@KeithOlbermann) March 26, 2015
If the @NCAA is really troubled by Indiana’s nuttiness, then they need to just move the Final Four away from there.
— Andrew Jerell Jones (@sluggahjells) March 26, 2015
Currently, the NCAA has no plans to move the Final Four from Indy next week. Considering the logistics of such a huge event, it would be nearly impossible to pull it and find another location in a few days’ time.
Is NCAA Threatening To Pull Future Events From Indiana Over Anti-Gay Bill? Sure Looks That Way! added by Justin Baragona on
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