Basketball Team Will Skip Games Over Alleged Mistreatment of Trans Player

newsweek.com:

transgender athletes have soared in recent years with critics arguing against the participation of transgender athletes, arguing it allows for an unfair advantage.Proponents of allowing transgender athletes to compete according to their gender identity argue that sports should be inclusive and accessible to all, regardless of gender identity.

This side emphasizes the importance of equality and non-discrimination, pointing out that transgender athletes often face significant barriers in sports, including societal stigma and discrimination.In a letter signed by all 13 team members, the VIU Mariners declared they "do not feel safe" to play in the upcoming games against CBC due to incidents that allegedly occurred during games in late October.Mariners forward Harriette Mackenzie, who is transgender, spoke to The Canadian Press in October about verbal and physical mistreatment she said she experienced when her team hosted CBC for a pair of games in Nanaimo.According to Mackenzie, CBC's head coach Taylor Claggett went on a "tirade" after losing on October 25, yelling at a Mariners staff member about how Mackenzie shouldn't be allowed to play against women.When the two sides played again on October 26, Mackenzie, who shared a video with The Canadian Press, said her opponents physically targeted her.Mackenzie has since filed a complaint with Pacific Western Athletic Association (PACWEST).CBC, an evangelical Mennonite college, defended Claggett in a statement, framing her actions as concern for her players' safety.The letter signed by VIU players said: "All of us should be free to be ourselves and play the game we love in a supportive and safe environment—including queer and trans athletes."According to the letter, the VIU basketball players are asking PACWEST to commit to registering no wins or losses for the games, adding that if they don't, the conference must postpone them.The letter, addressed to VIU and PACWEST, criticized the lack of disciplinary action following the.