B.C. Basketball Team Refuses to Play Over Alleged Abuse of Transgender Player

NANAIMO, British Columbia — A women’s college basketball team in British Columbia has refused to play against a Christian university over allegations of verbal and physical mistreatment of a transgender teammate, sparking a heated debate over inclusivity and safety in sports.

The Vancouver Island University (VIU) Mariners announced Wednesday they will not compete in upcoming games against Columbia Bible College (CBC) in Abbotsford, B.C. The decision follows an incident during a game on Oct. 25, where VIU alleges that CBC’s head coach, Taylor Claggett, engaged in behavior that violated the Coach’s Code of Ethics.

“Intimidation, harassment, and discrimination have no place in athletics,” VIU said in a statement. “VIU stands in full support of our student-athletes and affirms the right of all athletes to compete in an environment that prioritizes their safety and well-being.”

The controversy centers on Harriette Mackenzie, a third-year forward for VIU and an openly transgender athlete. Mackenzie claims that during the Oct. 25 game, Claggett confronted a VIU staff member, arguing that Mackenzie should not be allowed to play. Mackenzie also alleges she was deliberately fouled by a CBC player, an incident she documented on social media.

“I got two-hand chucked to the ground by No. 13 without a play on the ball in sight, then head coach Clagett can be seen applauding in support,” Mackenzie wrote on Instagram.

In response, Clagett denied targeting Mackenzie, stating her concerns were about the safety of female athletes. “My intention has nothing to do with a specific athlete, but instead, the safety of female athletes in their sport,” Clagett wrote on Instagram.

Columbia Bible College has denied the allegations, calling them “untrue and misinformed.” The school said it developed a safety plan for the games, including additional security, in collaboration with VIU and local police. “CBC stands for safe play for all,” the school said in a statement.

All 13 players on the VIU team signed a letter expressing their refusal to play at CBC, citing concerns for their safety. “By doing nothing, by saying nothing, by issuing no suspensions or sanctions, your message is clear: you think what happened was OK,” the letter read. “We don’t feel safe playing at CBC or with that team so long as coach Claggett is still free to behave the way she did.”

The Pacific Western Athletic Association (PACWEST), the governing body for collegiate sports in the region, has launched an investigation into the matter. In a statement, PACWEST emphasized its commitment to inclusivity and safety, urging all parties to engage in education on diversity and inclusion.

VIU, ranked first in the conference and fifth nationally with an 11-1 record, has called for Claggett’s suspension and a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination. The team also requested that the games be postponed or that no wins or losses be recorded if they refuse to play.

“We love this game, and we love our team,” the players’ letter concluded. “We are counting on you to have our backs and do what’s right.”