From IRS.gov: “To be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, an organization must be organized and operated exclusively for exempt purposes set forth in section 501(c)(3), and none of its earnings may inure to any private shareholder or individual. In addition, it may not be an action organization, i.e., it may not attempt to influence legislation as a substantial part of its activities and may not participate in any campaign activity for or against political candidates.”

As 501(c)(3) organizations, the NCAA and ACC must not consider their games and tournaments as “a substantial part of its activities.” Otherwise, they would be violating the tax code.

The ACC generated $400 million in 2014, and the commissioner made $2.7 million. The NCAA generated just under $1 billion in 2014, and the president only made $1.8 million in 2013.

Why don’t progressives that want these non-taxpaying organizations to demand legislative control over gender identification have the same concern for athletes who generate that tax-free income? Athletes have their tuitions paid by the tuition-paying students/parents. Many don’t graduate or get an employable education and can’t receive gifts for living expenses.

Yet the ACC, NCAA and bowl games pay no income tax to the governments they are strong-arming. They arrogantly dictate legislation that is financed by hard-working citizens.

It’s time to yank 501(c)(3) status for these deadbeats, send tax bills and give athlete/employees some living expenses.

To progressives who are always screaming discrimination, whose side would you be on if the ACC and NCAA say they are not coming to N.C. because we don’t clearly align bathrooms with the DNA assigned gender?

Progressives preach tolerance and inclusiveness but are the least tolerate and inclusive. It’s about control, not fairness. Let’s call it what it is and put it to a vote.

— Alan Champion

Salisbury