Vermont Cancels Women's Basketball Game at UNC Citing HB2

The University of Vermont athletics department has cancelled a women’s basketball game against the University of North Carolina due to concern over the state of North Carolina’s House Bill 2 law.

The game was scheduled for December 28 in Chapel Hill.

Vermont Athletics Director Jeff Schulman released this statement:

“The decision to cancel to our Dec. 28 women’s basketball game at North Carolina was made as a result of concerns over the HB2 law, which prevents transgender people from using government-run bathrooms based on their gender identity.

We strive very hard to create an inclusive climate for our students and staff in which they all can feel safe, respected, and valued. It would be hard to fulfill these obligations while competing in a state with this law, which is contrary to our values as an athletic department and university.

This decision was made in consultation with our coaches, the women’s basketball team, and key university officials. We fully understand and sympathize with the impact that this decision may have on the North Carolina women’s basketball schedule. However, we believe this decision is consistent with our values and the conversations with our coaches and student team members. These were the most important considerations.”

House Bill 2 is known to many as the “Bathroom Law.” The law overturned a non-discrimination Charlotte ordinance that extended protections to the LGBTQ community. Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam, Ringo Starr are among music artists who have cancelled concerts in North Carolina to protest the law. North Carolina arenas have expressed fears that the NCAA could pull out of the state due to the law.

Vermont Cancels Women’s Basketball Game at UNC Citing HB2

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