Federal Investigation Launched into USA Fencing Transgender Athlete Incident

The Department of Education and Department of Justice are examining the disqualification of Stephanie Turner after her protest against competing with a transgender opponent.

The newly-formed Title IX investigations team, under the Department of Education and Department of Justice, has begun investigating the March 30 incident at the Cherry Blossom Open in Maryland.
Stephanie Turner, a women's fencer, was disqualified after taking a knee in protest against competing with transgender athlete Redmond Sullivan, citing fairness and safety concerns.
USA Fencing defends its transgender inclusion policy, established in 2023, which allows transgender athletes to compete in women’s categories after meeting hormone suppression requirements.
The Trump administration has prioritized enforcing Title IX protections, with officials stating they aim to prevent men from competing in women’s sports and ensure compliance by organizations receiving federal funding.
Senator Ted Cruz has demanded detailed information from USA Fencing on matches involving transgender athletes and any related injuries, intensifying political scrutiny of the organization’s policies.