The women's basketball team at Columbia Bible College (CBC) has penned a letter addressing Vancouver Island University's (VIU) decision to forfeit two games against them. This follows an earlier incident involving alleged mistreatment of a transgender player on VIU's team. VIU claims a CBC coach violated the Coach's Code of Ethics in their interactions with the athlete during a previous match.

The CBC players' letter, obtained by Fox News Digital, refutes VIU's accusations and criticizes the opposing team for resorting to public attacks and spreading what they deem "misinformation" about their coach and team. They argue that VIU's actions, including sharing videos and letters on social media, violate the league's guidelines and incite negativity. The CBC players maintain that any concerns should have been addressed privately through proper channels within the Pacific Western Athletic Association (PACWEST).

The letter also challenges the PACWEST's decision to postpone the games, which deviates from the standard procedure of awarding forfeited games to the opposing team. They question the rationale behind this departure and assert that VIU did not adhere to the required protocol for canceling games.

The CBC players express their frustration with VIU's public approach and believe their silence has been misinterpreted. They emphasize their commitment to respecting league procedures and insist on being heard in this matter. They contend that VIU has not shown the same respect for the league or CBC.

The transgender athlete at the center of the controversy, Harriette Mackenzie, posted a video on Instagram alleging verbal abuse from the CBC coach and a deliberate foul by a CBC player. Mackenzie, a key player for VIU, expressed frustration at competing with a "biological disadvantage," clarifying that they did not undergo male puberty and do not produce testosterone.

This incident highlights the ongoing debate surrounding transgender athletes in sports, particularly within the Canadian context, where laws protect the inclusion of transgender individuals in sports based on gender identity. This contrasts with differing viewpoints in other countries.