A women’s college basketball team in Vancouver, Canada, has refused to play against a Christian university team due to alleged abuse of a female basketball team. transgender athletes. The Christian university has denied the accusations.

Vancouver Island University released a statement Wednesday announcing it will not participate in its upcoming game against Columbia Bible College. A statement from Vancouver Island said a Columbia Bible coach treated transgender gamer In some way a violation of the coach’s code of ethics.

“Intimidation, harassment and discrimination have no place in athletics,” the statement read. “VIU fully supports our student-athletes and affirms the right of all athletes to compete in an environment that prioritizes their safety and well-being. “

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The school also asked its athletic conference, the Pacific West Athletic Conference (PACWEST), not to penalize teams for refusing to play.

Columbia Bible has issued a statement to Fox News Digital discussing Vancouver Island’s decision and announcement.

“This is surprising news for us,” the statement read. “CBC stands for safe play for all. Allegations that CBC, its coaches, players and fans pose a security threat are simply untrue and misleading of.”

Columbia Bible College’s statement also claims the university is developing a safety plan that includes increased security for games involving transgender athletes.

“The CBC has a strong reputation for providing a safe environment, but out of an abundance of caution, the CBC worked with PACWEST to develop an event security plan specifically for these games. We received input from VIU and the Abbotsford Police Department. This plan This includes, among other measures, additional safety measures,” the statement read.

All players on the Vancouver Island team signed a letter saying they did not feel safe playing at the Columbia Bible following the October incident.

According to multiple media reports, the transgender player is third-year forward Harriette Mackenzie, who is openly transgender.

On Oct. 30, McKenzie posted a video on the athlete’s Instagram page, accusing Columbia Bible head coach Tyler Clagett of “pushing on one of our athletic staff and going into a tirade about how I didn’t deserve to be Allowed to compete.”

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McKenzie said she was also intentionally fouled and knocked to the ground by a Columbia Bible player.

“I was thrown to the ground with both hands on the 13th, couldn’t see the ball movement, and then could see head coach Clagett clapping in support,” the transgender athlete said.

In response, Cratchit posted his own statement on Instagram, claiming McKenzie’s statement was inaccurate.

“My intentions have nothing to do with a specific athlete, but rather for the safety of female athletes in sports,” she wrote.

Vancouver Island has submitted a formal complaint to PACWEST and an investigation into the matter is ongoing. The university said McKenzie’s participation complied with conference policy.

“VIU strictly adheres to the rules and regulations established by PACWEST and the Canadian Universities Athletic Association (CCAA), including the CCAA’s policy regarding the participation of transgender student-athletes,” the statement read.

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PACWEST issued its own statement on the matter on November 1st.

“PACWEST is aware that the participation of transgender student-athletes has recently received public attention. As a member of the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA), PACWEST follows national policies and procedures for all sports entering the CCAA Championships, including the CCAA’s Regarding Transgender Students Athlete Participation Policy,” the statement read.

“In addition, PACWEST encourages everyone to engage in education through the Canadian Center for Ethics in Sport (CCES), whose research addresses diversity, inclusion, and transgender people in sport. Creating a safe and inclusive environment for all participants is our shared responsibility. “

In the United States, President-elect Trump has vowed to ban transgender athletes from women’s and girls’ sports. Trump has also repeatedly suggested that Canada join the United States, possibly becoming the 51st country.

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