Overview

• Stephanie Turner testified about her protest and disqualification after refusing to compete against a trans-identifying male opponent, citing concerns over fairness in women’s fencing.
• USA Fencing Chair Damien Lehfeldt defended the organization’s inclusion policy, citing compliance with the Ted Stevens Act and international federation rules, while acknowledging a willingness to change if mandated by law.
• Lawmakers pressed Lehfeldt on locker room privacy, fairness in competition, and his controversial social media comments, which he apologized for during the hearing.
• Turner called for leadership resignations within USA Fencing, citing public comments she deemed harassing and dismissive of concerns from female athletes and parents.
• The federal Title IX investigation into USA Fencing’s transgender inclusion policy continues, with the organization maintaining its current stance pending legal or governing-body directives.