In a developing controversy that shines a spotlight on transgender inclusion and the power of allies, the Vancouver Island University (VIU) women’s basketball team recently announced its refusal to play scheduled games against Columbia Bible College (CBC). The Mariners accuse CBC’s head coach, Taylor Claggett, of verbal and physical mistreatment of one of their players: third-year forward Harriette Mackenzie, who is openly transgender. Since the alleged incident, a heated conversation has erupted over discrimination in collegiate sports, the responsibilities of athletic associations, and the vital importance of supporting transgender athletes.
The Incident: Allegations of Discrimination
On October 25, during a game hosted by VIU in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Coach Claggett of CBC allegedly berated a VIU staff member over Mackenzie’s participation on the women’s basketball team. Mackenzie, who shared her story widely on social media, claimed Claggett went on a “tirade” about how Mackenzie “shouldn’t be allowed to play” on a women’s team. According to Mackenzie, this encounter created a hostile environment, casting a shadow over what should have been a fair and spirited collegiate basketball matchup.
Matters came to a head during the next day’s game on October 26. Video footage shared by Mackenzie shows a CBC player shoving her to the ground away from the ball, sparking outrage among VIU teammates and staff who say this was a deliberate act of aggression. Mackenzie felt directly targeted for her gender identity and filed a formal complaint with the Pacific Western Athletic Association (PACWEST) soon after.
VIU responded by issuing a statement condemning the alleged actions, emphasizing that “intimidation, harassment, and discrimination have no place in athletics.” They further underscored their commitment to fostering a safe environment for student-athletes, especially those from marginalized communities, such as transgender athletes.
CBC’s Response and Ongoing Investigation
In response to the allegations, Columbia Bible College—an evangelical Mennonite institution—released a statement defending Coach Claggett’s actions as being rooted in “safety concerns” for her players. CBC insists it has always “stood for safe play for all.” They added that accusations they pose a “safety threat” are “simply untrue and misinformed,” and claim any “tirade” was actually about fair competition and player welfare.
CBC has also stated it was working with PACWEST to develop a security plan specifically for games involving Mackenzie, a measure meant to provide added protections and quell potential tensions. They mentioned working with local law enforcement, including the Abbotsford Police Department, to ensure everyone’s well-being.
However, VIU and its players remain unconvinced. All 13 members of the Mariners women’s basketball team signed a letter declaring they “do not feel safe” playing at CBC’s home court as long as Coach Claggett remains in her position without disciplinary action. In the letter, the players said that no amount of “unmarked buses, separate entrances, or banning of protest signs” will protect them from a coach who they believe has already demonstrated hostility toward transgender athletes.
VIU’s Stand: A Bold Refusal
Despite ranking first in the conference and fifth in the country (with an 11-1 record), VIU is adamant about not playing the upcoming weekend games at CBC. Citing the ongoing investigation and the lack of any immediate sanctions against Coach Claggett, the team contends that its safety is not assured. They have called on PACWEST to suspend Claggett, relocate the provincial championship from CBC, and require the college to adopt a zero-tolerance policy for hate and discrimination.
The letter further criticizes the idea that individual VIU players could simply sit out if they feel unsafe, effectively forcing the rest of the team to play without them. “What kind of choices are those?” the Mariners’ letter asks. “You should be standing with us, standing up for safe and fair play.”
VIU has also requested that it not be penalized with a forfeit or loss for refusing to travel to CBC. Rather, the players argue the games should be registered as “no contest” or postponed until PACWEST addresses the situation. So far, PACWEST has said it cannot comment on active investigations and has offered no public timeline for when to expect a resolution.
Trans Athlete Participation: A Growing Flashpoint
This dispute takes place amid broader discussions about trans inclusion in sports, both in Canada and internationally. Within the United States, President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to ban transgender athletes from competing in girls’ and women’s sports, fanning the flames of debate about fairness, inclusion, and the rights of trans athletes. While Canada does not have such a ban in place, conservatives in many regions have ramped up rhetoric that questions the legitimacy of trans athletes.
As a result, Mackenzie’s situation is far from unique. Trans athletes across North America have reported similar experiences, ranging from verbal harassment to denial of playing opportunities. Supporters of trans inclusion argue that sports should be accessible for everyone, pointing to policies like those of the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA), which VIU follows, that allow athletes to compete according to their gender identity. Opponents raise questions about “fairness” and “player safety,” stoking fear and misrepresentation around trans participation.
The Importance of Allies in Collegiate Sports
One of the standout aspects of this story is the unwavering allyship shown by the entire VIU team. Rather than leaving Mackenzie to navigate this situation alone, her teammates and coaches have taken a united front, refusing to play and risking their top spot in the conference. This solidarity spotlights how crucial it is for transgender athletes—who are often few and far between in many sports—to have supportive teammates, coaches, institutions, and fans.
The Mariners’ stance sends a message that discrimination against one player affects all. Their refusal to quietly play the scheduled games is more than a protest; it is a testament to how sports teams can rally together to uphold the core values of respect, belonging, and inclusion. Such an approach is especially powerful when weighed against the growing boldness of anti-trans rhetoric, where conservative voices in North America have become increasingly brazen about targeting LGBTQ+ rights.
Coach Claggett and CBC Under Scrutiny
In the court of public opinion, Coach Claggett and CBC face growing backlash for their perceived lack of empathy and outright hostility. Though CBC insists their coach’s concerns center on “player safety,” the emphasis on Mackenzie’s trans identity rather than on violent play itself has struck many as hypocritical. There’s significant public skepticism of Claggett’s position, given the video evidence showing Mackenzie being shoved to the ground away from the ball—an action that seems far more concerning from a safety standpoint than a trans athlete competing.
Critics argue that Claggett and CBC are using “player safety” as a coded argument for excluding trans athletes. By focusing the narrative on Mackenzie’s presence rather than the roughness of CBC’s play, they imply that transgender athletes inherently pose a threat. Such an approach perpetuates dangerous myths about transgender individuals and does little to protect anyone from actual harm on the court.
What Happens Next?
Both sides await PACWEST’s decision as the investigation continues. Will Coach Claggett face suspension for alleged violations of the Coach’s Code of Ethics? Will the association relocate tournaments from CBC’s venue to ensure a fair and inclusive environment? And most immediately, will VIU be forced to forfeit crucial games, jeopardizing their successful season, or will PACWEST heed their request to avoid penalties?
As the basketball season progresses, the fallout from this dispute underscores deeper questions about how collegiate sports entities handle allegations of discrimination—and whether they can effectively promote safe, respectful, and affirming spaces for all athletes.
The Bottom Line
At the heart of this conflict is a lesson about allyship and the power of collective action. The Mariners’ unwavering support for Mackenzie demonstrates that even a small group of college athletes can amplify a crucial conversation about trans rights, fairness, and inclusion. In a world where hate and discrimination often hide behind words like “safety” and “fair play,” it’s vital for organizations, coaches, and teammates to step up as vocal allies.
VIU’s defiant boycott highlights the emotional toll that discrimination takes—not just on transgender athletes but on entire teams. By refusing to play under unsafe conditions, these young women are forging a path for sports programs everywhere to strengthen protections for LGBTQ+ players. Their actions challenge every university, coach, and conference to see beyond biases and recognize the humanity and dignity of all athletes—trans or otherwise.
As the story continues to unfold, one thing remains clear: the Mariners are proof that unity and empathy can drive meaningful change, even in the face of powerful institutions that have historically shut out or sidelined transgender voices. By standing together and demanding accountability, the VIU women’s basketball team is adding their voice to a global push for equality in sports—one that highlights the critical need for allies and the urgent responsibility we all share in making the game accessible to everyone.
