Summer Lovin': The Screenwriting Classes part 1

My summer classes are coming to a close. It's been fun but really intense, especially in my "The Plot Thickens" Class.

In this class, we had to take our finished scripts from last year and try to "sell" them to the market. We created a query letter, developed a pitch and on Monday we will actually pitch our movies to real agents.

But the big scare was this past Wednesday. Me and other student had to go through a board meeting. This is when production companies take a script apart to see if it's interesting, watchable and marketable. Everyone in the room talks about characters, plot, story and theme.

The guy before me didn't have it so good. His script was good, but the story just didn't come together. And by the end of the discussion, everyone (except me) passed on the movie. My teacher, who owns a production company, said he would pass on it as well.

Then came my script for Shadow Boy. I was nervous, because for 30 minutes I couldn't say anything. I had to listen to all of their views and opinions. In a nutshell, they liked it. However, the straight guys wouldn't see it (gay characters) but the girl and my teacher would. My teacher said it would be a tough sell to major companies, but it could possibly be the next big thing.

He asked me if its a gay movie or a movie with gay characters. I said it's both, leaning more towards a movie with gay characters. None of them are stereotypical (no Glee gays). In fact, the guys in the class didn't realized they were gay until 20 pages in.

I also got notes from the class for Shadow Boy, here are some examples:

The concept behind SHADOW BOY is its greatest strength. Franchises such as TWILIGHT have capitalized on the intersection of the love story with the supernatural thriller, but Victor takes the genre mash-up in a new direction by featuring an extremely unique protagonist—a comic book-obsessed, gay male living in the South—who must also confront magical forces set against him. By telling the story of a unique protagonist in a more or less common setup, SHADOW BOY combines a number of conflicts—social, political, moral—in new ways.

SHADOW BOY is a compelling story with a great combination of primal and supernatural elements (survival and love with powers and shadows). A re-write to enhance the format, the characters (and their specific arcs) and the last act would reinforce this unique concept.

I felt pretty good about my review. My teacher thought of my movie as a popcorn film that could draw multiple crowds. I think I could pull the Glee/Twilight/TrueBlood crowd. Perhaps a panel at Comic Con? 

Anywho, I was happy that I wasn't a "pass". Maybe I can do this writing after all.

Duke Students whine over reading Fun Home

Duke University is one of the top schools in the nation. Many students are super excited to be a part of the Duke family due to the prestigious name and the amazing opportunities.

This year, the required reading for the new freshman class is the award winning "Fun Home" by Alison Bechdel. However, some within the Duke's freshmen class were scared that the graphic novel will invoke sinful thoughts.

CNN reports:

The 2006 graphic novel, an autobiographical work about Bechdel coming to terms with her homosexuality as her funeral-director father remains closeted, was selected as a summer reading book for the Duke Class of 2019. But some students declined to read it because of its sexual themes and use of nudity. 

"I feel as if I would have to compromise my personal Christian moral beliefs to read it," incoming freshman Brian Grasso wrote on Facebook, according to the Duke Chronicle.
"The nature of 'Fun Home' means that content that I might have consented to read in print now violates my conscience due to its pornographic nature," freshman Jeffrey Wubbenhorst added in an email to the publication. 

A Duke spokesman observed that the reading was voluntary, though he hoped that "students will begin their time at Duke with open minds and a willingness to explore new ideas, whether they agree with them or not." 

"Like many universities and community, Duke has had a summer reading for many years to give incoming students a shared intellectual experience with other members of the class," said Michael Schoenfeld, vice president for public affairs and government relations, in a statement to CNN. 

" 'Fun Home' was ultimately chosen because it is a unique and moving book that transcends genres and explores issues that students are likely to confront," he added, noting that Bechdel came to campus for a discussion during orientation week.

Lord, these cry babies are the worst. The WORST! Why are they going to college? There will be plenty of temptation all through the dorms. I swear, these faux Christians can't handle real life.

Back in Class

I'm taking another Scriptwriting class this summer, but this time it's at the rival school, UCLA. This class is all about writing your TV drama.

The class has all types of folks attending. There are a few working writers from Teen Wolf, Army Wives and Mountain Men. We also have an actress from the show Copper. Our teacher was the showrunner for the original Beverly Hill 90210, so I have much respect for him. I mean, this guy ran show that started the teen show craze! We have 6 weeks to create a show, I think I have an idea... More on that later.

This class is just what I needed to get my engines moving. It's a great escape from work and other issues in my life. I am looking forward to knowing my classmates, because you never know if one them could be a future colleague. However, my only complaint is the drive. UCLA is on the other side of town and if you don't about LA, trust me, it's a serious drive.

No Cinema School...Now, Step 2

Well, I was not accepted into the masters program for Writing for Television. No surprise, I knew it was a shot in OZ.

I have no experience or credentials in cinema or TV world currently. My experiences are from my undergrad days. In 1994, I took a scriptwriting class, a play writing class in 1995 and a creative writing in 1997. Plus, I focused more on my major (Communications) and took the writing classes for fun.

But don't cry for me Argentinians, I have a plan. Basically, I am an unknown. Most of these students have worked in the field or know someone, and me, I have an old script from 1994. If I want to be taken seriously in the USC Cinema school, I have to start somewhere.

So, I'm starting from scratch. I'm going to enroll in a 'Scriptwriting 101' class this summer. I think it would be good for me to re-learn the skills and get familiar with the system. Also the professors can see and critique my work. The class will be free since I work in USC. So hopefully, (if I get D-Clearance) I'm in, even though it's at the crack bottom, I will have a chance.

I guess that's all I need.

Bryan Singer will NOT Direct X-Men: First Class

Quick change!

Bryan won't direct X-Men: First Class, but he will produce the flick.

While many in Hollywood are having trouble finding work these days, Bryan Singer’s problem is there is only one of him to go around and everybody wants him. So Singer and 20th Century Fox have formalized his move from director to producer on X-Men: First Class. That is the bad news for X-Men die-hards who love the first two films Singer directed. Here's the good part: he is leaving because Fox liked the script that Jamie Moss wrote from Singer's treatment so much that the studio wants the film right away, envisioning it as the first leg of a trilogy. The hope is to have it ready for 2011 release.

Singer will join Lauren Shuler Donner and Simon Kinberg as producers. He's not available because Warner Bros and Legendary are locked into a summer production start on Jack the Giant Killer. They’ll begin casting shortly. It is a big CG project, and they are likely to either shoot 3D or convert it later.

NOOOOOOOOO! Stop with the 3D, it's not the 80's anymore!

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Schwartz to_____ the X-Men

Great Hera, please read this!

Twentieth Century Fox is gearing up to continue its "X-Men" franchise with a younger set of mutants.

Studio has tapped "Gossip Girl" creator Josh Schwartz to write "X-Men: First Class."

Schwartz, the creator and exec producer of CW's teen sudser hit as well as Fox's youth-centric "The OC" and NBC's "Chuck," is expected to inject a next-gen sensibility into the superhero series, which has earned $1.2 billion worldwide.

Writing assignment has also included the possibility of directing the pic, but so far Schwartz has opted not to take the helm.

Lauren Shuler Donner, who produced all three "X-Men" pics, as well as next summer's "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," is producing "First Class" alongside "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" scribe Simon Kinberg.

Fox is keeping quiet on plans and declined to confirm details of the project. The studio has been considering ways to continue its successful series of "X-Men" movies after the third installment, the Brett Ratner-helmed "X-Men: The Last Stand," collected $459 million in 2006.

Fox has been leaning toward using the younger characters introduced in the previous pics in future installments -- teenagers with powers taught at the Xavier Institute for Higher Learning.

Resulting film would likely draw from elements of the Marvel comic of the same name, launched in 2006, and enlist such characters as Iceman, Rogue, Angel, Colossus, Jubilee and Shadowcat, who have appeared prominently or made cameos in prior pics.

Given Hollywood's penchant for reboots with new actors playing familiar roles, pic could also reintroduce characters. Comicbook revolves around the Cyclops, Marvel Girl, Beast, Iceman, Angel and Professor X.

Naturally, "First Class" could also result in its own series of sequel.

Okay, I have been harsh on Josh. Chuck ain't that bad and Gossip Girl...well I still hate that. Still, I can't feel him working on the merry mutants. After Brett Rat-man destroyed X-Men 3, I was done. And now, I can't...I don't know... Josh is responsible for the train wrecks, OC and Gossip Hag.

I need to see more from him; I need to know that I can trust him with my favorite comic series. I'm sure he is a good writer, but this is a serious issue. The X-Men are not for play, the stories have shaped the way some of us read comics. Josh, please do this right! Please!

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Summer Lovin': The Screenwriting Classes - The Finale

It's been about 3 weeks since classes ended and the grades are out. In my Dramatic TV Series class, I got an A-and in my (Advanced) Developing the Screenplay class, I got an A.

I will admit I was a little bothered with the A-, and yes, I'm one of those people.

But I should be happy, there were several folks in this class who didn't do so hot. But at least the professor liked and believed in my work. Now, the next step is applying to the Master's Program. I have the grades (3.94 to be exact) and the confidence.

I think I can do this.

What's going on with me?

Hi All

I thought I would give y'all an update on what's happening with me and my life. So, here we go in my favorite style... Bullet Point.

• I'm helping out with Bent-Con, a LGBT Comic-Con in Los Angeles. Lead by the incredible Sean Z, we are in the beginning stages of what will be the biggest LGBT geek event of the year.
• I'm completing my fourth year at USC as an Assistant Director of Res Life. The students, the trips and the glory has been crazy, but now the chill time begins.
• Well, I take that back. I decided to take 2 classes this summer. One is about creating a TV pilot and the other class is about making my full feature script worthy to be picked up. Hopefully, I can take 'Shadow Boy' to the next level.
• I'm trying to make it to New York City this summer; but with work, classes and Comic-Con, it's going to be tough.
• My best friend, Tavares may be moving to L.A. He will stay with us for a bit and then he will take over the town. I'm hoping my other friends follow suit.
• I've been doing the Insanity workout for 4 weeks now, and I have to say it is a miracle worker. It kicks my ass, but my body is taking shape.
• I'm realizing that L.A. could be home for me and Jamie. 
• My mom just found out that she have a huge plot of land in her name down in Tennessee. She's working with the lawyer to see what to actually do with it.
• I got some new readers.

Well that's if for me. What about y'all?

USC Cinema Summer Program part 2

I'm in the USC Cinema School again this summer. I'm taking Advanced Screenwriting with David Balkan, who is great BTW.

In this course, we are working on a full feature script. I'm using my idea for Shadow Boy, a gay supernatural movie. We have already created a synopsis for our movies and now we are working on our script outlines. And since I know what I want to do for a movie, the outline is coming along. I hope to have my movie in great shape by the end of the course. And maybe... I'll share it with y'all.

There's only 6 of us in the class, but I like the intimacy and creativity of the group. I think we will we turn out great scripts.

So wish me luck, I hope to pull an "A" or at "B" in this course.

What will be my TV Pilot idea for Class?

I'm signing up for summer classes in the Cinema School and I'm freaking out. In one course, I will have to create a pilot for a TV series. I'm trying to get stared now, but I'm lost.

I have a lot thoughts, characters and ideas, however I can't decide what to focus on. Here are some of my ideas so far:

• After a failed attempt to set his school on fire, a gay teen is forced to go to an alternative school. Turns out it is an all Gay High School.
•  A Gay Guy's final year in college proves to be full of drama as his love life, secret past and post-college plans collide.
• After her kids are grown and our their own, a mother starts the second leg of her life.
• A Former Circuit boy decides to change his life by taking his Grandmother's old house and turning it into a foster home for LGBT youth.
• A man's boyfriend was murdered by a cult. His lost turns into rage and begins seeking revenge on this group. But on his journey, he learns that his bf was into something far more dark and deadly than he could ever imagine.

Oh this is hard, y'all. What do think? Are these ideas too crazy? Silly? Let me know.

SyFy wants to "Americanese" Being Human, meaning, they will F**k it Up

Let me schedule my next scriptwriting class, because this is a hot ass mess.

SyFy wants to do their own version of the UK hit, Being Human. This show is about a vampire, a ghost and a werewolf living together and trying to deal with their own issues. It's on BBC America and it's doing well.

However, there was a gas leak at SyFy and they believe they can just copy it "Party in the USA" style.

"Human" appeared on Syfy's radar about two years ago when the network was given the pilot script by the BBC, which was seeking to bring in the U.S. cable network in as co-producer. It was too late in the process, so Syfy brass passed but became instant fans of the material.

"It turned out great as we can now do an American version," Syfy president Dave Howe said. "We've always been keen on vampires and werewolves, and we loved the originality of 'Being Human,' the fact that the fantastical creatures in it are very young, accessible and charming."

Howe stressed that Syfy is not going to "slavishly replicate the British version." Some of network's core audience already might be familiar with the original series, which runs in the U.S. on BBC America.

The search is on for a writer to adapt "Human," with Syfy targeting a launch in summer or fall 2010 and eyeing it as a potential companion piece to breakout hit "Sanctuary," which shares similar subject matter.

But Sanctuary is horrible and remember Coupling? Who told them to do this? And would we watch a remake of a show that is still producing new episodes? In fact, they are starting season 2.

SyFy are you thinking at all? Try, oh I don't know...SOMETHING NEW!

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This is Why I'm talking a Scriptwriting Class this Summer

somebody has to write about better demons

President Obama will Tax the Rich

Finally!!!

As a result, when Obama announces at least $2 trillion in deficit reduction measures Monday, he is not expected to offer all the compromises he reached with House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, in July before those talks broke off.

"I would view this as the president's vision for how we achieve deficit reduction, which makes it inherently different than the sorts of legislative negotiations we were undertaking with the speaker over the summer," said the White House communications director, Dan Pfeiffer.

The plan represents an economic bookend to the $447 billion in tax cuts and new public works spending that Obama has proposed to as a short-term measure to stimulate the economy and create jobs. He's submitting it to a special joint committee of Congress given the task of recommending how to reduce deficits by $1.2 trillion to $1.5 trillion over 10 years.

The White House signaled its approach Saturday by highlighting a proposal in the president's plan that would set a minimum tax rate for taxpayers earning more than $1 million.

The measure – Obama is going to call it the "Buffett Rule" for billionaire investor Warren Buffett – is designed to prevent millionaires from using tax-avoidance schemes to pay lower rates than middle-income taxpayers. Buffett has complained that he and other wealthy people have been "coddled long enough" and shouldn't be paying a smaller share of their income in federal taxes than middle-class taxpayers.

 again FINALLY!


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Where the Gays Are

In a new Census report, we are learning where the gays are living and settling down.

See here

 What, no New York City?

New York is too big to figure prominently in top city rankings for same-sex couples per capita (it was 67th in 2010, Mr. Gates said), but it does rank by county, alongside more the more traditional locations. Manhattan is No. 5, after San Francisco County, Hampshire County, Mass., Monroe County, Fla., and Multnomah County, Ore. 

The city ranking is a barometer of the changing demographics among the population of same sex couples, which has grown more diffuse throughout the country over the past 20 years.
In interviews here this week, several couples said that social attitudes had softened overt time and that living farther afield was now easier to do. Mr. Gates compared the phenomenon to immigrants who no longer sought the safety of an enclave. 

Steve Elkins, who runs a nonprofit community center called Camp Rehoboth, which acts as a liaison with the gay community, said cultural training classes for the summer police force would be met by stony stares in the early days. More recently, when he asked the police officers if they knew a gay person, two people in the class raised their hands to say they were gay. 

“It’s a generational change in thoughts and attitudes,” he said. Rehoboth, he likes to say, used to be an island of tolerance in a sea of homophobia, and now is an island of tolerance in a sea of outlet malls. 

Interesting.

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Warcraft the Movie?

Really?

Check out this press release

BLIZZARD ENTERTAINMENT® AND LEGENDARY PICTURES SIGN SAM RAIMI TO DIRECT UPCOMING WARCRAFT® MOVIE Raimi, acclaimed director of the blockbuster Spider-Man series, will bring the forces of the Horde and the Alliance to life in epic live-action film. Charles Roven's Atlas Entertainment will produce alongside Raimi's Stars Road Entertainment.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – July 22, 2009 -- Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. and Legendary Pictures announced today that Sam Raimi has signed on to direct the eagerly-anticipated major motion picture based on Blizzard Entertainment’s award-winning Warcraft® universe. Raimi has, in the course of his career, clearly demonstrated a genius for developing and adapting existing fictional universes for mainstream audiences while staying true to the spirit of the original content.

Raimi directed the Spider-Man trilogy, which has broken box-office records around the world and garnered five Academy Award® nominations. Known for his imaginative filmmaking style, richly drawn characters and offbeat humor, Raimi wrote and directed the cult classic, The Evil Dead and produced 30 Days Of Night.

He most recently wrote and directed the supernatural thriller, Drag Me To Hell. "At its core, Warcraft is a fantastic, action-packed story," said Raimi. "I am thrilled to work with such a dynamite production team to bring this project to the big screen." Charles Roven’s producing talents were recently seen with last summer’s blockbuster The Dark Knight, which grossed in excess of $1 billion, was nominated for eight Academy Awards® and won two. His body of work also includes the widely acclaimed Batman Begins and the sci-fi classic 12 Monkeys.

Roven, with Atlas producing partner Alex Gartner, will be producing with Legendary Pictures CEO Thomas Tull, Legendary’s Chief Creative Officer Jon Jashni, Raimi and Raimi’s producing partner Joshua Donen.

Raimi’s partner, Robert Tapert, will be an Executive Producer and Blizzard Entertainment’s Senior Vice President of Creative Development, Chris Metzen, a Co-Producer. "Partnering with Sam Raimi exemplifies Legendary's mandate of marrying the highest quality intellectual property to world-class filmmakers" said Legendary’s Tull. "Sam's passion for 'Warcraft' is undeniable and we know that he will create an incredible film worthy of Blizzard's phenomenal franchise. We look forward to collaborating with our partners at Warner Bros. and continuing our successful relationship with Chuck in bringing this rich new world to the screen."

I've seen folks play this game, but is it movie material?

Randomness of the past week

I'm planning the RA banquet and it's a headache. There's things about this event that has not been fun at all. I'm learning that folks don't adhere to directions, deadlines and emails. Grown folks whine like kids and one misstep will be the guilt trip of the month. So I will pass that pleasure to someone else for next year.

A old friend of mind died recently and it made my old crew and I think about our lives. We have been very fortunate and I don't think we realize that enough. So I need to make time to appreciate the simple things in life.

We need good gay leaders. We need them out in front, speaking and standing strong for us. Having Perez Hilton as our mouthpiece...hurts.

I'm steps away from taking my 1st screenwriting class, which is exciting, but the $500 deposit is killing me. That money came from my next Louis Vuitton purchase fund! But this is for my future, I just need to remind myself of that.

I think L.A. is a sham. This week, I had a hipster tell me he's original. However, he's wearing the tight jeans, Zak Efron hair and that damn scarf. I told him that originality died after 1989 and he just looks like everybody else. He was shocked, especially when he saw 4 other guys in a similar outfit.

This week I have found myself thinking that Levi Johnston, Stephen Colbert, Danny McBride and Chuck Todd are very cute guys.

And we finally bought tickets to the East Coast for our summer trip...NYC here I come!

I'm writing a Movie!

Over the past month, I've been writing a movie.

It's a fantasy/horror flick with a little bit of "gay" mixed in. I realized we don't have anything really strong in this genre, so I thought I'll take a chance.

My movie focuses on Erin, a newly-out guy who's forced to live with grandmother and aunt after his parents kick him out. As he tries to adjust in the southern small town, he meets a charming guy named Jackson. But Jackson is more than just 'charming', he's a descendant from something very ancient and very deadly (NOT A VAMPIRE, WEREWOLF or an ANGEL). Of course the 2 boys fall for each other, but Jackson has a past that comes back in spades and then the drama really starts. There's blood, murder, Peter Pan references, flying, heavy kissing but no sex... yet.

For the record, I suck at pitches.

Once I'm done (which is very soon), I will continue to tweak it; perhaps use it in my class this summer. Maybe by then, I will have a title for my little gay film.

Lesson of the Day: Snapping like a Diva

I teach this as a Summer School class.

Open Letter: Ryan C. Jones

Hi friends and family,

I am writing you this in hope you can do me a large favor. As some of you know, I lost someone very close to me this week. A student of mine was taken from us in a violent manner. His name was Jason Mattison and he was a 15-year old student, whom I have had the privilege to teach through his 9th and 10th-grade years, since he arrived on our campus during the summer of 2008.

There has been extensive news coverage of Jason’s death over the past few days. He was brutally attacked, abused, fatally injured and left for dead. His attacker, a 35-year old previously convicted murderer, has been arrested, and will meet his doom in one way or another.
However, I am writing because not enough positive things have been shown about Jason. As is often the case, the majority of news has revolved around the graphic nature of his death and the circumstances relating to his attacker. Too often, we hear news that a young, black male from Baltimore City was killed and we think nothing of it.

Jason was not just another statistic! He was a lively, unique individual who brought smiles to the faces of countless people every day. Jason was an above-average student, who excelled in many areas of academics and social life. He dreamed of finishing his career here and moving on to college, medical school and then to his own pediatric office. God, how kids would have loved his big smile and booming voice! You need to simply look at his exotic dress, flare for the dramatic in class and with friends and talk to those who knew him to understand what a loss we have all been dealt.

Jason was in no way involved with gangs, drugs or weapons. He spent his time after school doing homework in teachers’ classrooms and hanging out with friends. His nightly routine of chatting on MySpace is the same one any of our kids have, and the same one as kids all across America. But for as “typical” as Jason seemed, he was so unique. He hated normal! He was different because he could be. He wore his skinny jeans and fashionable sweaters and blazers because it made him stand out.

I’ve included a few pictures of Jason as a way to expose what a great child he was, and to allow those who didn’t know him to see more than the news coverage allows. In my eyes, this tragedy has focused so much on the negative and what is truly being lost is what a great child we had the pleasure of being around. It hurts me to watch the news and see a murderer’s face and story being told and not that of Jason!!!!!

Please do me a favor and honor Jason! I am asking that you simply forward this e-mail and pictures to everyone you know. I want Jason’s story to be told and I want everyone to see that we have lost an innocent child! And maybe more importantly, I want everyone to see how beautifully wonderful this child was!!!

Ryan C. Jones was Jason's teacher.

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NCAA MOVES their championships out of North Carolina for 2016-17

Well this cuts deep.

The NCAA has withdrawn all championship events from North Carolina because the state's hateful HB2 law.

This decision from NCAA affects all seven NCAA championship events... All of the NCAA events! They released a statement explain their stance.

Based on the NCAA's commitment to fairness and inclusion, the Association will relocate all seven previously awarded championship events from North Carolina during the 2016-17 academic year. The NCAA Board of Governors made this decision because of the cumulative actions taken by the state concerning civil rights protections.

In its decision Monday, the Board of Governors emphasized that NCAA championships and events must promote an inclusive atmosphere for all college athletes, coaches, administrators and fans. Current North Carolina state laws make it challenging to guarantee that host communities can help deliver on that commitment if NCAA events remained in the state, the board said.

“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 board stressed that the dynamic in North Carolina is different from that of other states because of at least four specific factors:

North Carolina laws invalidate any local law that treats sexual orientation as a protected class or has a purpose to prevent discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender individuals.
North Carolina has the only statewide law that makes it unlawful to use a restroom different from the gender on one’s birth certificate, regardless of gender identity.
North Carolina law provides legal protections for government officials to refuse services to the LGBT community.
Five states plus numerous cities prohibit travel to North Carolina for public employees and representatives of public institutions, which could include student-athletes and campus athletics staff. These states are New York, Minnesota, Washington, Vermont and Connecticut.
“As representatives of all three divisions, the Board of Governors must advance college sports through policies that resolve core issues affecting student-athletes and administrators,” said G.P. “Bud” Peterson, Board of Governors chair and Georgia Institute of Technology president. “This decision is consistent with the NCAA's long-standing core values of inclusion, student-athlete well-being and creating a culture of fairness.”

These seven championship events will be relocated from North Carolina for 2016-17:

2016 Division I Women’s Soccer Championship, College Cup (Cary), Dec. 2 and 4.
2016 Division III Men’s and Women’s Soccer Championships (Greensboro), Dec. 2 and 3.
2017 Division I Men’s Basketball Championship, first/second rounds (Greensboro), March 17 and 19.
2017 Division I Women’s Golf Championships, regional (Greenville), May 8-10.
2017 Division III Men’s and Women’s Tennis Championships (Cary), May 22-27.
2017 Division I Women’s Lacrosse Championship (Cary), May 26 and 28.
2017 Division II Baseball Championship (Cary), May 27-June 3.
Emmert said the NCAA will determine the new locations for these championships soon.

“The NCAA Constitution clearly states our values of inclusion and gender equity, along with the membership’s expectation that we as the Board of Governors protect those values for all,” said Susquehanna University President Jay Lemons, vice chair of the Board of Governors and chair of the ad hoc committee on diversity and inclusion. “Our membership comprises many different types of schools – public, private, secular, faith-based – and we believe this action appropriately reflects the collective will of that diverse group.”

Historically, the Association has taken steps to ensure its championship environment is consistent with its values. The NCAA bans championships in states where governments display the Confederate battle flag or authorize sports wagering and at schools that use hostile and abusive Native American imagery.

The only championship events that can be hosted in North Carolina this academic year are those that are decided when student-athletes earn the opportunity to play a championship on their own campus. The Board of Governors said this decision to allow these championships – called nonpredetermined sites – to be played in North Carolina is consistent with the NCAA’s commitment to student-athletes.

Based on an April directive from the Board of Governors, which represents all three divisions, cities interested in hosting future NCAA championships completed a questionnaire this summer that required sites to provide information about any local anti-discrimination laws; provisions for refusal of services; and other facility-specific information.

A group of representatives from NCAA schools will continue to evaluate these responses to determine which locations can host future championships. These decisions, typically announced in early December, will be delayed until next year, Emmert said.