Mick Sweetman

ALT We fully support the VIU Women’s Basketball Team and their decision to refrain from participating in this weekend’s games against Columbia Bible College (CBC) as they prioritize their safety and take a stand against the unacceptable behavior exhibited by the players and coaching staff at CBC. Read more about the team’s decision here. The decision made by VIU’s team reflects a commitment to fostering an environment where all individuals feel secure, respected, and valued. We are deeply saddened by the harmful actions displayed by individuals during the recent games between CBC and the VIU Mariners. You can read more info here. The transphobia that has taken place undermines the values of respect, inclusion, and community that we uphold at the Students’ Union and in the VIU community. The reports of mistreatment are heartbreaking; however, moments like these remind us of the power of allyship and unity within our campus community to rise above adversity and hate.

ALT The Vancouver Island University (VIU) women’s basketball team made a courageous stand by boycotting their upcoming PACWEST games at Columbia Bible College (CBC). This decision comes in response to CBC’s coach and players’ targeted harassment and discrimination against their transgender teammate, Harriette Mackenzie. VIU currently leads the PACWEST standings, is demanding not just respect for their teammate but systemic accountability and change. This situation is a stark reminder of the transphobia and misogyny that persist in women’s sports—specifically, trans misogyny, the intersection of transphobia and sexism targeting trans women. It’s a prejudice that also invalidates their identities while perpetuating the harmful idea that trans women threaten the fairness of women’s sports. The Myth of “Fairness” Opponents of trans inclusion often claim that trans women hold an inherent physical advantage. This argument is not only scientifically shaky but deeply rooted in fear and misinfo

ALT VIU’s call for PACWEST to relocate the Provincial Championships from CBC is a critical step toward ensuring safe and inclusive sports environments. Harriette Mackenzie’s experiences highlight the urgent need for stronger policies and enforcement against transphobia. PACWEST must act by: 1. Publicly condemning discrimination in all forms. 2. Mandating gender inclusion training for athletes and staff. 3. Enforcing consequences for discriminatory behavior. 4. Supporting trans athletes with robust protections. We stand with the VIU women’s basketball team and Harriette Mackenzie in their fight for justice and inclusion. Their courage reminds us that sports’ integrity depends on creating spaces where everyone can thrive. Advocacy Canada’s president, Wilbur Turner states “Trans inclusion isn’t just a moral imperative—it’s a reflection of the fairness and respect that sports should embody. We demand better-better from PACWEST, better from CBC, and better from ourselves as a society.