A women’s college basketball team in Vancouver, Canada, is refusing to play a team from a Christian university over alleged abuse of a trans athlete. The Christian university has denied the allegations.
Vancouver Island University released a statement Wednesday announcing it will not play its upcoming games against Columbia Bible College. Vancouver Island’s statement alleges that during a previous game between the two teams on Oct. 25, a Columbia Bible coach treated the transgender player in a manner that violated the Coach’s Code of Ethics.
“Bullying, harassment and discrimination have no place in athletics,” the statement said. “VIU fully supports our student-athletes and affirms the right of all athletes to compete in an environment that prioritizes their safety and well-being.”
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The school has also asked its athletic conference, the Western Pacific Athletic Association (PACWEST), not to penalize the team for refusing to play.
Columbia Bible has provided a statement to Pak Gazette Digital addressing the decision and Vancouver Island’s statement.
“This was surprising news for us,” the statement said. “CBC stands for safe gaming for all. Allegations that CBC, its coaches, players and fans are a threat to safety are simply false and misinformed.”
Columbia Bible’s statement also included claims that the university was developing a safety plan, including additional security for games in which the trans athlete was participating.
“CBC has a reputation for providing a safe environment, however, out of an abundance of caution, CBC, in cooperation with PACWEST, developed an event security plan specifically for these games. We received input from VIU and the Abbotsford Police Department. This plan included additional security, among other measures,” the statement reads.
All players on the Vancouver Island team signed a letter saying they do not feel safe playing at Columbia Bible after the October incident.
The trans player is third-year forward Harriette Mackenzie, who is openly transgender, according to multiple outlets.
Mackenzie posted a video to the athlete’s Instagram page on October 30, alleging that Columbia Bible head coach Taylor Clagett “cornered one of our athletic staff and went on a tirade about how I shouldn’t be allowed to play.” .
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Mackenzie said a Columbia Bible player also deliberately knocked her to the ground for a foul.
“No. 13 knocked me to the ground with both hands with no ball play in sight, and then you can see head coach Clagett clapping in support,” the trans athlete said.
In response, Clagett posted his own statement on Instagram, alleging that Mackenzie’s statements were inaccurate.
“My intention has nothing to do with a specific athlete, but rather the safety of female athletes in their sport,” she wrote.
Vancouver Island has filed a formal complaint with PACWEST, as an investigation into the matter is currently underway. The university says Mackenzie’s participation complies with conference policy.
“VIU strictly adheres to the rules and regulations established by PACWEST and the Canadian Collegiate Athletics Association (CCAA), including the CCAA’s policy on the participation of transgender students and athletes,” their statement read.
PACWEST released its own statement on the matter on November 1.
“PACWEST is aware that the participation of transgender student-athletes has recently received public attention. As a member of the Canadian Collegiate Athletics Association (CCAA), PACWEST follows national policies and procedures for all sports leading to CCAA championships, including those of the CCAA. policy on the participation of transgender student-athletes,” the statement reads.
“In addition, PACWEST encourages everyone to participate in education through the Canadian Center for Ethics in Sport (CCES) with its findings on diversity and inclusion and transgender people in sport.. Creating a safe and inclusive environment for all participants is a shared responsibility.”
In the United States, President-elect Trump has promised to ban trans athletes from competing in women’s and girls’ sports. Trump has also repeatedly suggested that Canada join the United States, potentially as the 51st state.
