Female Fencer Expelled For Refusing To Compete Against Male Opponent

A college female fencer in Maryland refused to compete against an opponent who is a biological male and has been expelled as a result.

Stephanie Turner refused to compete against transgender fencer Redmond Sullivan at the Cherry Blossom Open, opting to take a knee at the start of the match, consequently being disqualified from the tournament.

“I knew what I had to do because USA Fencing had not been listening to women’s objections regarding [its gender eligibility policy],” Turner said following the incident. 

“I took a knee immediately at that point. Redmond was under the impression that I was going to start fencing. So, when I took the knee, I looked at the ref and said, ‘I’m sorry, I cannot do this. I am a woman, and this is a man, and this is a women’s tournament. And I will not fence this individual,” she further urged.

“Redmond didn’t hear me, and he comes up to me, and he thinks that I may be hurt, or he doesn’t understand what’s happening. He asks, ‘Are you OK?’ And I said, ‘I’m sorry. I have much love and respect for you, but I will not fence you,” Turner continued.

Turner then described how she was paraded in front of the bout committee to explain her actions. 

She was provided a copy of USA Fencing’s transgender policy and was forced under objection to sign a document acknowledging a black card.

USA Fencing defended  its policy, claiming that it “was designed to expand access to the sport of fencing and create inclusive, safe spaces.”

“The policy is based on the principle that everyone should have the ability to participate in sports and was based upon the research available of the day,” USA Fencing further proclaimed in the statement.

Tennis legend Martina Navratilova is among those expressing disgust at the organisation’s actions.

Others lauded Turner for refusing to be pressured into an unfair competition.

President Trump issued an executive order shortly after taking office prohibiting biological males from competing in women’s sports, prompting the NCAA to change its trans athlete policy to reflect the order.

However, USA Fencing is primarily governed by its own Board of Directors, operates as a nonprofit entity and is recognised by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) as the official National Governing Body (NGB) for fencing.

As such, it has autonomy in its day-to-day governance, but must comply with USOPC standards and requirements, particularly regarding athlete representation, safety, and Olympic-related activities.

It remains to be seen how this will consequently play out as relates to Trump’s executive order.

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