The Vancouver Island University (VIU) women's basketball team has announced a boycott of two upcoming games against Columbia Bible College (CBC) following claims of mistreatment toward their transgender teammate.
Why It Matters
The VIU boycott highlights the ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQ+ athletes in collegiate sports as debates around transgender athletes have soared in recent years with critics arguing against the participation of transgender athletes, arguing it allows for an unfair advantage.
Proponents of allowing transgender athletes to compete according to their gender identity argue that sports should be inclusive and accessible to all, regardless of gender identity. This side emphasizes the importance of equality and non-discrimination, pointing out that transgender athletes often face significant barriers in sports, including societal stigma and discrimination.
What To Know
In a letter signed by all 13 team members, the VIU Mariners declared they "do not feel safe" to play in the upcoming games against CBC due to incidents that allegedly occurred during games in late October.
Mariners forward Harriette Mackenzie, who is transgender, spoke to The Canadian Press in October about verbal and physical mistreatment she said she experienced when her team hosted CBC for a pair of games in Nanaimo.
According to Mackenzie, CBC's head coach Taylor Claggett went on a "tirade" after losing on October 25, yelling at a Mariners staff member about how Mackenzie shouldn't be allowed to play against women.
When the two sides played again on October 26, Mackenzie, who shared a video with The Canadian Press, said her opponents physically targeted her.
Mackenzie has since filed a complaint with Pacific Western Athletic Association (PACWEST).
CBC, an evangelical Mennonite college, defended Claggett in a statement, framing her actions as concern for her players' safety.
What Did the Letter Say?
The letter signed by VIU players said: "All of us should be free to be ourselves and play the game we love in a supportive and safe environment—including queer and trans athletes."
According to the letter, the VIU basketball players are asking PACWEST to commit to registering no wins or losses for the games, adding that if they don't, the conference must postpone them.
The letter, addressed to VIU and PACWEST, criticized the lack of disciplinary action following the two incidents in October.
"By doing nothing, by saying nothing, by issuing no suspensions or sanctions, your message is clear: you think what happened was OK," read the letter.
"We need you to know that we are not OK with what happened. We don't feel safe playing at CBC or with that team so long as coach Claggest is still free to behave the way she did. Your inaction isn't just disappointing. It has made us and the game less safe," the letter read.
The letter also suggested players were told that if they feel unsafe, they should stay behind and not play in the games.
"You are asking us to risk our safety or forfeit a game and lose our standing. You are suggesting we divide and some of us go play while leaving those who feel the most unsafe behind. What kind of choices are those? You should be standing with us, standing up for safe and fair play," the message said.
In addition, the letter argued that VIU should not be penalized with a loss if the team does not play this weekend's games.
"We love this game, and we love our team. We are counting on you to have our backs and do what's right," the letter read.
What People Are Saying
Columbia Bible College said in a statement: "We stand in support of Taylor Claggett, and all our coaches, in expressing their legitimate concerns for the safety of our student-athletes."
According to The Associated Press, a spokesman for PACWEST declined to comment on the letter or the conference's response, citing an ongoing investigation.
In addition, according to the AP, Vancouver Island University and Columbia Bible College did not immediately respond to requests for comment from The Canadian Press.
What Happens Next
The Mariners, currently ranked fifth nationally with an 11-1 record, have pledged not to compete at CBC until their demands are met.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.
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