BURLINGTON, Vt. – The University of Vermont Athletic Department has cancelled its women's basketball road game against the University of North Carolina on Dec. 28 due to concern over the state's HB2 law, Director of Athletics Jeff Schulman announced on Wednesday. Below is a statement from Schulman explaining the department's decision:
 
"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."
 
The women's basketball program begins its first season under new head coach Chris Day with an exhibition game at Patrick Gym against St. Michael's College on Saturday, Nov. 5 at 4 p.m. The regular season begins the following weekend with home contests against Bryant University on Friday, Nov. 11 at 7 p.m. and Dartmouth College on Sunday, Nov. 13 at 2 p.m. The Catamounts return three of their top four scorers for the upcoming campaign.