NANAIMO, British Columbia — A contingent of college basketball players from Vancouver Island University (VIU) has announced their decision to forfeit two scheduled games against Columbia Bible College (CBC) this weekend, citing concerns over alleged verbal and physical abuse directed at a transgender teammate that they feel has gone unaddressed. All 13 members of the team have endorsed a letter expressing their lack of safety while playing in such an environment. “Everyone deserves to be themselves and participate in the sport they love within a supportive and secure setting — this includes queer and trans athletes,” the letter states.
Harriette Mackenzie, a forward on the Mariners team, previously shared her experiences with the media in October regarding the mistreatment she faced during a game against CBC in Nanaimo. Mackenzie, a transgender athlete, reported that following a loss on October 25, CBC’s coach, Taylor Claggett, shouted at a member of the Mariners staff, expressing that Mackenzie should not be allowed to compete against women.
During another game against CBC on October 26, Mackenzie claimed she was targeted physically by her opponents. She provided video evidence showing a Columbia player forcefully knocking her to the ground away from the ball. In response to the allegations, CBC issued a statement affirming their support for coach Claggett’s actions, asserting that her comments were made in defense of her players’ safety.
Mackenzie has since lodged a complaint with the Pacific Western Athletic Association (PACWEST), but the letter from her team revealed disappointment that no investigation or reprimand has been initiated by the governing body. “Your lack of action sends a clear message that you find these events acceptable,” the letter addressed to both VIU and PACWEST leadership stated.
“We want to emphasize that we are not comfortable playing at CBC or facing that team as long as coach Claggett can behave in this manner. Your inaction has compromised the safety of both us and the sport itself.” A PACWEST representative has refrained from commenting on the details of the letter, noting an ongoing inquiry.
CBC emphasized its commitment to fostering a safe playing environment, challenging claims that their community poses a safety risk. In conjunction with PACWEST, they stated that a safety plan had been developed for the weekend games, which included heightened security measures.
Despite these efforts, the letter issued by the Mariners indicates players feel pressured to participate amid safety concerns and doubts regarding the effectiveness of the proposed safety plan. “The harm inflicted upon Harriette and our team was initiated by this coach—a coach and team whose actions apparently receive your tacit approval,” the letter criticized. “No arrangements for separate entrances or banning protest items will ensure our protection from this situation.”
The letter further suggested that players were being advised to consider not participating if they felt unsafe. “You are compelling us to risk our safety or forfeit and suffer the consequences of a loss in standings. This implies a division among us, with those feeling the most endangered left behind. What kind of options are those?” it emphasized, calling for unity and a stand against such hostility in sport.
VIU responded by asserting its full support for its student-athletes and their right to compete in a safe and inclusive atmosphere. The university urged PACWEST to approach this issue with seriousness and diligence, reaffirming that discrimination and harassment have no place in athletics.
The Mariners, currently ranked first in their conference and fifth nationally with an impressive record of 11-1, stated they will refrain from competing at CBC until PACWEST takes action by suspending coach Claggett, relocating the provincial championship from CBC, and establishing a strict “zero-tolerance” policy towards hate and discrimination.
“No penalties should be imposed on VIU if we choose not to play these games this weekend,” the letter argued. “If PACWEST cannot guarantee that no wins or losses will be recorded for these matchups, they should consider postponing them.” The letter concluded with a heartfelt message from the team: “We cherish this game and our team. We are relying on you to support us in doing what is right.”
