WNBA star Tiffany Mitchell has spoken out against discrimination she says she faced at the hands of the Basketball Australia (BA) league—which tried to ban her from wearing braids.
She expressed her “disappoinment” over her experience in a lengthy Instagram post.
“This post will be uncomfortable for some to read and inspiring for others to read. Throughout my first month here in Australia I had little to none problems. Until this past week I was met with a situation that was clear racial discrimination,” the post begins.
“I was approached about my hair, and that for the start of the regular season I wouldnt be able to play if I didnt tie my hair up or wear it in a bun. An email was also sent out informing coaches and refs to make sure the “rule” was in place for “the players” with braids.Now in I dont know how many years this league chooses to enforce this “fiba” rule about the length of someones hair. Braids specifically, of course people with “free braids” as they call it apparently its clear only the black people in this league has these type of braids.”
Mitchell says that she’s played worldwide and her braids have never before been an issue. She says that when she confronted BA, the first told her that the rule was enforced by The International Basketball Federation (FIBA), but quickly did a u-turn after learning that the policy was no longer being enforced.
“The target I felt I had on my back was undescribable but still played with all the disappoint I felt from Basketball Australia,” she continues.
“I am completely thankful for my club as they stood behind my teammate and myself that had braids and they were very supportive. To combat Basketball Australia and the false ruling they put out we took a Knee during the anthem before the game. Did this change how I still felt inside about the entire situation, no. But it gave me a sense of comfort knowing that the ladies that I suit up with every night had my teammate and I backs.”
In a statement on Saturday, BA said it had “reviewed the rule” and offered Mitchell an apology.
“The policy has been deemed discriminatory and inconsistent with Basketball Australia’s Diversity and Inclusion framework by the WNBL Commission,” the statement read. “It is also not enforced in either the WNBL, other leading professional women’s leagues around the world or international competitions such as the Olympics and World Cup. To this end, the WNBL Commission has removed the policy, effective immediately.
“Basketball Australia makes an unreserved apology for any anguish and pain that was caused by this rule.”
