B.C. basketball provincials moved from Abbotsford college following investigation

The Pacific Western Athletic Association (PACWEST) has concluded its three-month investigation into allegations of harassment and discrimination made by Hariette Mackenzie, a transgender athlete from Vancouver Island University (VIU). While PACWEST has not publicly disclosed the details of its findings, the outcome has led to significant consequences. Columbia Bible College (CBC) in Abbotsford will no longer host the 2025 basketball provincials, a decision that has sparked mixed reactions from the institutions involved. VIU expressed gratitude toward PACWEST for its handling of the investigation, emphasizing the importance of upholding standards of respect, equity, and inclusion in collegiate athletics. Meanwhile, CBC has voiced its disappointment, stating that it does not believe the process was fair and is seeking a review of the decision. For now, the location of the 2025 provincials remains uncertain.

The investigation was prompted by an incident that occurred during a basketball tournament in late October last year. Hariette Mackenzie, who plays for the VIU Mariners, was involved in a physical altercation during a game against CBC on October 26. In the third quarter, Mackenzie was grabbed by an opposing player and thrown to the ground. She also alleged that the head coach of CBC cornered one of VIU’s athletic staff after a game on October 25, stating that Mackenzie should not be allowed to play. Following the incident, Mackenzie took to social media to share her story, expressing her frustration and sadness over the mistreatment she has faced throughout her athletic career. In a video posted to Instagram, she recounted how she has been repeatedly targeted by players, coaches, and fans due to her gender identity.

Mackenzie, who began her transition in kindergarten and has not undergone male puberty, emphasized the challenges she has faced as a transgender athlete. She highlighted the fact that her testosterone levels are significantly lower than those of cisgender women, placing her at a competitive disadvantage. Despite this, she has consistently faced discrimination and hostility. “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,” Mackenzie said in her video. “Instead, they’re fueled by their shared bigotry and ignorance.” Her words underscore the broader struggles faced by transgender athletes, who often find themselves at the center of debates about fairness and inclusion in sports.

During the investigation, VIU took a stand by refusing to play two regular-season games against CBC in January. The university requested an exemption from these games, citing the ongoing investigation and the sensitive nature of the situation. VIU has since expressed satisfaction with the results of the PACWEST inquiry, stating that 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,” VIU said in a statement. The university’s stance highlights its commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all its athletes, including those from marginalized communities.

In contrast, Columbia Bible College has expressed deep disappointment with PACWEST’s decision to strip it of the right to host the 2025 provincials. CBC released a statement claiming that the process was unfair and that the results were not just. “We do not believe that a proper process was followed or that the results were fair,” the college said. “As a result, we are taking steps to have PACWEST’s decision reviewed.” The college has chosen not to comment further on the matter at this time. The decision to review the ruling suggests that CBC intends to challenge the outcome, potentially drawing out the controversy further. For now, the uncertainty surrounding the hosting of the provincials remains unresolved.

The conclusion of the PACWEST investigation and its aftermath serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by transgender athletes in sports. Hariette Mackenzie’s story highlights the resilience and determination of athletes who continue to advocate for their right to compete fairly and without discrimination. While VIU’s support for Mackenzie and its commitment to inclusion are commendable, the broader issue of transgender participation in sports remains a contentious and deeply divisive topic. As organizations like PACWEST work to navigate these complexities, the hope is that such investigations will lead to greater understanding and inclusion, fostering an environment where all athletes can thrive. For now, the focus remains on ensuring that the principles of respect, equity, and inclusion are upheld at all levels of collegiate athletics.