Add USC athletics director Pat Haden to the list of high-powered individuals and organizations that are making a stand against Indiana’s religious freedom bill. Since Indiana governor Mike Pence signed a bill that allows businesses to refuse service to individuals on the basis on religious freedom, there has been widespread negative reactions, with many calling for corporations and events to move from the state.
Among those events includes the College Football Playoff committee meetings this week in Indianapolis and one committee member will not be in attendance. Haden tweeted out his decision in saying he is a proud parent of a gay son and will honor him by refusing to attend:
I am the proud father of a gay son. In his honor, I will not be attending the CFP committee meeting in Indy this week. #EmbraceDiversity
— Pat Haden (@ADHadenUSC) March 31, 2015
The NCAA has said they do not agree with the bill and they have begun evaluating how they wish to proceed with business decisions at their Indianapolis headquarters and with future NCAA events in the state of Indiana. The 2015 Final Four is set to tip off in Indianapolis on Saturday.
Photo Courtesy: Liz Baylen/Los Angeles Times
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