VIU Students’ Union Stands in Solidarity with Trans Athletes: A Continued Call for Accountability and Inclusivity in PACWEST
At the Students’ Union, we are proud to reaffirm our unwavering support for trans athletes and the broader 2SLGBTQIA+ community in light of recent developments in the Pacific Western Athletic Association (PACWEST). Following an investigation into a transphobic incident during the October 2024 Women’s Basketball game between Columbia Bible College (CBC) Bearcats and the Vancouver Island University (VIU) Mariners, PACWEST took the necessary step of suspending the CBC Women’s Basketball Head Coach. While this disciplinary action marked progress toward addressing discrimination in sports, subsequent events have raised new concerns.
In the aftermath of the suspension, the CBC team launched a public campaign and the coach has taken legal action in an attempt to overturn the suspension. These actions threaten to undermine the essential steps taken to combat discrimination and could send a disheartening message to trans athletes and their allies throughout PACWEST.
As a Students’ Union, we believe that sports should be a safe and inclusive space for everyone, regardless of gender identity. Trans athletes deserve the right to participate fully and equitably without fear of harassment or exclusion. We have seen firsthand the impact that discrimination can have on individuals and communities. That is why we are speaking out—because standing by silently is not an option.
When incidents like this arise, accountability is not just about responding to the moment; it’s about setting a standard for the future. Attempts to reverse disciplinary action not only put the safety of athletes at risk but also undermine trust in the systems designed to protect them. This is a pivotal moment for PACWEST to demonstrate leadership and reaffirm its commitment to inclusivity, fairness, and safety for all athletes.
We call on PACWEST to:
1. Stand firm against external pressures to reinstate the suspended coach.
2. Reaffirm its commitment to fostering safe, equitable, and inclusive sport environments.
3. Require the CBC Bearcats to commit to upholding the principles of fair and safe play by making a clear public statement that they do not tolerate harassment, discrimination, or hate, and that they will recognize and respect the eligibility rules for trans athletes.
4. Establish extensive safety plan development practices to ensure the safety of all athletes, including trans athletes.
Discrimination has no place in sport - or anywhere. Leadership means standing with marginalized communities, taking decisive action, and ensuring that every athlete is treated with dignity and respect. We urge PACWEST to seize this opportunity to lead by example and show that inclusivity is not just a policy but a fundamental value.
As a Students’ Union, we remain committed to our support for trans athletes across the PACWEST Conference and will continue to advocate for environments where every player feels safe, supported, and seen.
In solidarity,
Vancouver Island University Students’ Union Board of Directors Executive Team
!! Are you a student, faculty, or community member who wants to get involved? Send a letter to PACWEST’s President and Executive Team using this template.
Resources
Combating misinformation about transgender women in sports is essential for fostering inclusivity and understanding. Below is a curated list of reputable resources, including Canadian advocacy organizations and insights from the United Nations on human rights:
1. Canadian Women & Sport
Resource: "Position Statement: Trans Inclusion in Sport"en.wikipedia.org+2womenandsport.ca+2womenandsport.ca+2
Description: This position statement emphasizes that inclusion for women and girls must encompass trans women and girls, rooted in Canada's human rights legislation.womenandsport.ca
Access: Trans Inclusion in Sport
2. Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES)
Resource: "Transgender Women Athletes and Elite Sport: A Scientific Review"
Description: This comprehensive review examines scientific literature on transgender women's participation in elite sports, providing evidence-based insights into inclusion policies.
Access: Scientific Review
3. Egale Canada
Resource: "Egale Explains: Trans Women in Sport"en.wikipedia.org
Description: This resource addresses common myths and misconceptions about trans women in sports, offering factual information to counteract misinformation.
Access: Egale Explains
4. United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner (OHCHR)
Resource: "UN Experts Urge States to Uphold the Ideal of Sport That Is Inclusive of LGBT and Intersex Persons"
Description: UN experts advocate for the inclusion of LGBT and intersex individuals in sports, urging states to review standards to ensure compliance with human rights obligations.
Access: UN Experts' Statement
5. OutRight Action International
Resource: "Trans, Gender Diverse and Intersex Inclusion in Sports is a Human Right"outrightinternational.org
Description: This article affirms that all individuals, including trans, gender diverse, and intersex persons, must be able to realize their human right to participate in sports as an essential element of engaging in cultural life.outrightinternational.org
Access: Inclusion in Sports
6. Human Rights Campaign (HRC)
Resource: "Get the Facts about Bans on Sports Participation by Transgender and Non-Binary Athletes"
Description: This resource offers insights into the disinformation surrounding transgender youth in sports and emphasizes the importance of inclusion.
Access: Get the Facts
7. Athlete Ally
Resource: "Transgender Inclusion in Sport Resources"
Description: This document provides comprehensive information on transgender inclusion in sports, addressing harmful myths and offering guidance for creating inclusive environments.
Access: Transgender Inclusion Resources
8. International Olympic Committee (IOC)
Resource: "Fairness, Inclusion and Non-Discrimination in Olympic Sport"
Description: The IOC outlines its framework supporting sports bodies in creating inclusive policies, emphasizing non-discrimination and fairness for transgender athletes.
Access: IOC Framework
These resources offer comprehensive information to counteract misinformation and support the inclusion of transgender women in sports, aligning with human rights principles advocated by reputable organizations, including Canadian advocacy groups and the United Nations.
