Women athletes in the U.S. have received protection from transgender competitors through President Donald Trump’s recent executive order, while Canadian women athletes continue to navigate a national framework that supports trans athletes. The women’s basketball team at Columbia Bible College (CBC), an evangelical Mennonite institution in Abbotsford, British Columbia, is currently facing sanctions from its athletic conference, PACWEST, due to allegations of misconduct involving a transgender opponent earlier this season. CBC’s head coach, Taylor Claggett, is under suspension, and the college has lost its privilege to host the upcoming PACWEST championships following an investigation into an incident during a game against Vancouver Island University (VIU) on October 25.
PACWEST has announced the conclusion of its investigation, which has left CBC expressing disappointment with the decision. A statement from the college indicated, “We do not believe that a proper process was followed or that the results were fair. As a result, we are taking steps to have PACWEST’s decision reviewed. We will not be commenting further at this time.”
During the October 25 game, VIU’s trans athlete Harriette Mackenzie accused Claggett of confronting a member of their athletic staff and expressing that she should not be allowed to compete. Mackenzie made these claims in an Instagram post on October 30, alleging that she was also intentionally fouled by a CBC player. “I got two-hand chucked to the ground by No. 13 without a play on the ball in sight, then head coach Claggett can be seen applauding in support,” Mackenzie stated.
In response, Claggett posted her own statement on Instagram, asserting that Mackenzie’s claims were inaccurate. “My intention has nothing to do with a specific athlete, but instead, the safety of female athletes in their sport,” she wrote.
When the teams were scheduled to meet again in early January, VIU opted not to participate, citing the alleged incident from October 25. VIU requested that PACWEST not penalize its team for the forfeit, as stated in a communication provided to media outlets. Following the announcement of the forfeit, CBC issued a statement denying Mackenzie’s allegations, expressing surprise at the situation. “CBC stands for safe play for all. Accusations that CBC, its coaches, players, and fans are a safety threat are simply untrue and misinformed,” the statement read.
Additionally, a letter from CBC players, obtained by media sources, criticized VIU’s team for “personal attacks,” “defamatory comments,” and remarks that “incite violence” against their coach. “Videos and letters posted by members of the VIU women’s basketball team over the past three months have directly violated multiple rules stated in Article 17.2 of the manual.
