The NCAA conducted its first Association-wide vote in the new governance structure when it approved a modification of Constitution 2.6 during the Convention's opening business session January 9.

The modification, approved by a paddle vote, makes the NCAA's Principle of Nondiscrimination more explicit by describing specifically what types of discrimination are prohibited.

The principle states that "The Association shall promote an atmosphere of respect for and sensitivity to the dignity of every person. It is the policy of the Association to refrain from discrimination with respect to its governance policies, educational programs, activities and employment policies."

The modification makes the principle more explicit by adding "including on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, creed or sexual orientation. It is the responsibility of each member institution to determine independently its own policy regarding nondiscrimination."

The proposed changes originated from the NCAA Committee on Women's Athletics and were subsequently sponsored by the Executive Committee.

It was the first time since the NCAA restructured in 1997 that an Association-wide vote has been necessary. The proposal was a constitutionally dominant provision and therefore required two-thirds approval of the full membership present and voting. There were no dissenting votes during the paddle vote.

Cheryl L. Levick, associate director of athletics at Stanford University and chair of the Committee on Women's Athletics, spoke on behalf of the committee once the proposal was presented to the delegates.

"It's imperative," Levick said, "that the Association respect the diversity of all its members and therefore take this leadership role by strengthening its nondiscrimination policy. In short, this policy commits the Association to be inclusive of all its members, yet still supports the ability for institutions to make their own campus decisions."

Clint Bryant, chair of the Division II Management Council and director of athletics at Augusta State University, also spoke in support of the proposal.

"The Association consists of more than 1,000 diverse colleges and universities, and none of its members should be excluded from Association-wide programs and activities," he said.