Thanks to the clause in the league constitution that directs the commissioner to act in the “best interests of Major League Baseball,” Selig has enormous latitude in taking steps to preserve the integrity of the game. He should recall key moments from our shared history: It was in the best interests of baseball that led MLB in 1947 to defy widespread bigotry and the institutionalized racism of Jim Crow laws and sign Jackie Robinson, finally integrating the game.

Surely the “best interests of baseball” include protecting players and millions of fans of color, not allowing MLB to be perceived as condoning blatant discrimination and injustice, and taking a stand for fairness, equality and other values that Americans and baseball hold dear. Selig should stand up for these players, these fans and these values.

Such a move would not be unprecedented. The NCAA does not allow post-season events, such as the Final Four, to occur in states that fly the Confederate flag. Years ago the NFL stood up to Arizona over its refusal to recognize the Martin Luther King Jr. federal holiday and moved the 1993 Super Bowl. Those sports institutions defended their players and fans, even though there was no direct threat to their safety. The Arizona law, however, is a direct threat, and Selig ought to take action.