Federal Investigation Launched Into USA Fencing's Handling of Transgender Athlete Protest

The Department of Education and Department of Justice are probing potential Title IX violations after Stephanie Turner's disqualification for refusing to compete against a transgender fencer.

Stephanie Turner, a female fencer, was disqualified after kneeling in protest of competing against transgender athlete Redmond Sullivan at the Cherry Blossom Open on March 30, 2025.
The newly formed Title IX investigations team, under the Department of Education and Department of Justice, is examining whether USA Fencing's policies violated federal protections for women in sports.
USA Fencing's 2023 transgender inclusion policy allows transgender athletes to compete in women's categories after meeting specific hormone treatment requirements.
The University of Maryland, as the event's host, and Wagner College, which previously rostered Sullivan, have been cited by federal officials as bearing responsibility for potential Title IX violations.
USA Fencing has pledged full cooperation with the investigation, defending its policy as inclusive while acknowledging the need for ongoing dialogue and potential policy adjustments.