Women’s basketball team cancels game due to alleged abuse of transgender players, Christian opponent denies allegations
Women’s varsity basketball team in Vancouver, Canada refuses to play Christian university team over alleged abuse a trans athlete. The Christian university denied the allegations.
Vancouver Island University released a statement Wednesday announcing it will not play its upcoming games against Columbia Bible College. A Vancouver Island statement said that during an earlier game between the two teams on Oct. 25, coach Columbia Bible treated him transgender player in a way that violated the Code of Ethics for Coaches.
“Intimidation, 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 also asked its athletic conference, the Pacific Western Athletic Association (PACWEST), not to penalize the team for refusing to play.
Columbia Bible released a statement to Fox News Digital addressing the Vancouver Island decision and statement.
“This was surprising news for us,” the statement said. “CBC is committed to safe play for all. Allegations that CBC, its coaches, players and fans are a safety threat are simply untrue and misinformed.”
Columbia Bible’s statement also included claims that the university was developing a security plan, which included additional security for games involving a trans athlete.
“CBC has a reputation for providing a safe environment, however, out of an abundance of caution, CBC, in conjunction 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 press release states.
All players on the Vancouver Island team signed a letter saying they do not feel safe playing at Columbia Bible after the incident in October.
The trans player is Harriette Mackenzie’s third player who is openly transgender, as reported by multiple media outlets.
Mackenzie posted a video on the athlete’s Instagram page on Oct. 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 intentionally fouled her on the ground.
“Number 13 threw me to the ground with both hands with no play in sight and then head coach Clagett can be seen clapping in support,” said the trans athlete.
In response, Clagett released her own statement on Instagram, claiming that Mackenzie’s statements were false.
“My intention has nothing to do with a specific athlete, but 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 ongoing. The university says Mackenzie’s participation is in accordance with conference policy.
“VIU strictly adheres to the rules and regulations established by PACWEST and the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA), including the CCAA’s policy on the participation of transgender students and athletes,” the statement said.
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PACWEST released its own statement on the matter on November 1st.
“PACWEST is aware that the participation of transgender student-athletes has recently attracted public attention. As a member of the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA), PACWEST follows national policies and procedures for all sports leading into CCAA championships, including the CCAA’s policies on transgender student participation and athletes,” the press release states.
“Furthermore, PACWEST encourages everyone to engage in education through the Canadian Center for Ethics in Sport (CCES) with their 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 US, President-elect Trump has promised to ban trans athletes from competing in women’s and women’s sports. Trump has also repeatedly suggested that Canada join the US, potentially as the 51st state.
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