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PACWEST Investigation Ends with Columbia Bible College Losing Hosting Rights for 2025 Basketball Provincials
The Pacific Western Athletic Association (PACWEST) has concluded its three-month investigation into allegations of harassment and discrimination made by a transgender athlete from Vancouver Island University (VIU). As a result, Columbia Bible College (CBC) in Abbotsford will no longer host the 2025 basketball provincials. This decision comes after a tense and controversial series of events that began during a tournament in October 2023.
Background: The Incident and Allegations
The allegations stem from an incident during a two-day weekend basketball tournament in late October 2023. Hariette Mackenzie, a transgender athlete playing for VIU, was involved in a physical altercation during a game against CBC on October 26. Mackenzie alleges that she was grabbed by an opposing player and thrown to the ground. Furthermore, she claims that CBC’s head coach approached one of VIU’s athletic staff after a game on October 25 and suggested that Mackenzie should not be allowed to play. Mackenzie took to Instagram to share her story, expressing her frustration and sadness over what she described as a recurrence of mistreatment she has faced throughout her playing career. She emphasized that such incidents are not new to her, stating, “They don’t care that I began my transition in kindergarten, never having undergone male puberty. They don’t care that my testosterone levels are one-tenth that of a cis-woman due to the absence of reproductive organs placing me at a significant competitive disadvantage. Instead, they’re fueled by their shared bigotry and ignorance.”
The Investigation and Its Aftermath
PACWEST launched an investigation into the allegations following the incident. During this time, VIU refused to play two regular season games against CBC in January 2024, citing the ongoing investigation and the sensitive nature of the situation. The university formally requested an exemption from these games without penalty. Now that the investigation has concluded, PACWEST has officially stripped CBC of its hosting rights for the 2025 basketball provincials. VIU has expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “The decision reinforces the importance of upholding principles of respect, equity, and inclusion in collegiate athletics. We are pleased with the results of the investigation, which reflect the values we uphold at Vancouver Island University.”
Reactions: Satisfaction and Disappointment
While VIU has welcomed the decision, CBC has expressed deep disappointment and disagreement with PACWEST’s findings. In a statement, CBC said, “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.” The college has declined to comment further on the matter at this time. PACWEST, for its part, has remained tight-lipped about the specifics of the investigation, releasing only a brief statement on February 4 to confirm that the investigation had concluded and that a decision had been communicated to both schools.
Implications for Collegiate Athletics and Inclusivity
The outcome of this investigation has significant implications for the future of collegiate athletics, particularly in terms of inclusivity and equity. Hariette Mackenzie’s story has brought attention to the challenges faced by transgender athletes in sports, highlighting the importance of creating safe and inclusive environments for all players. By upholding its standards and taking a stand against harassment and discrimination, PACWEST has sent a strong message about the values it seeks to promote in its member institutions. However, the decision has also sparked tension, with CBC expressing its intention to seek a review of the decision. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this will impact the broader conversation around transgender athletes’ participation in sports.
Conclusion: A Call to Action for Respect and Inclusion
The incident involving Hariette Mackenzie and the subsequent investigation underscore the ongoing challenges faced by marginalized athletes in collegiate sports. While the decision to strip CBC of its hosting rights for the 2025 provincials is a step toward accountability, it also highlights the need for greater dialogue and understanding within the athletic community. As VIU and CBC move forward, the focus must remain on fostering an environment of respect, equity, and inclusion for all athletes, regardless of gender identity. The outcome of this case serves as a reminder that the work toward creating a more inclusive and equitable sports landscape is far from over.
