## Fencer’s Protest Leads to Probation and a Push for Policy Change
Following a controversial protest at the Cherry Blossom Open, American fencer Stephanie Turner is temporarily stepping away from competition. The 31-year-old Maryland native knelt in refusal of a match against Redmond Sullivan, a transgender woman, sparking widespread attention and prompting a federal investigation into USA Fencing.
As a result of her actions, Turner has been placed on a 12-month probation by USA Fencing. While she is technically still eligible to compete, she says she will not be participating in events within the U.S. circuit during this time.
“I’m going to be taking a break from fencing for a while in the U.S. circuit…It has disrupted my training and interactions, and it certainly disrupts my competition because I won’t be competing in the United States any time soon.”
Turner’s decision marks a significant shift as she now dedicates her energy to advocating for policies that would restrict transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports.
The Fallout & Public Scrutiny
* Turner has faced social challenges, reporting receiving “dirty looks” and some friends seemingly distancing themselves.
* Despite initial concerns, Turner has not lost her job as a result of the incident.
* Her protest ignited broader questions regarding the stability of other individuals associated with USA Fencing, potentially leading to government sanctions.
The Trump administration launched a federal investigation into USA Fencing’s policies, led by the newly formed Title IX investigations team in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Justice and the Department of Education. As stated by Education spokeswoman Julie Hartman:
“The nation watched as a female competitor bravely took a knee and forfeited an inherently unfair fencing match after discovering that her opponent was a male. The Trump Administration’s Department of Education and the Department of Justice’s Title IX Special investigations team will not allow recipients of federal funding to deny women’s equal opportunity protections under the law.”
USA Fencing has affirmed its willingness to cooperate with the ongoing investigation.
A Growing Movement & Political Shift
Turner is actively seeking to influence policy changes and plans to testify against USA Fencing in a hearing announced by Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene. She stated:
“I hope the exposure to this issue encourages them to change direction on the policy of allowing men in women’s sports… I don’t want to see anybody punished beyond resolving the policy and ensuring female exclusivity in women’s sports.”
Her political views have also undergone a transformation. Turner, formerly a registered Democrat, attributes her shift towards conservative ideology—including questioning other Democratic policies—to witnessing Riley Gaines’ experience at the 2022 NCAA swimming championships against Lia Thomas.
Turner is now aligning herself with women’s sports rights activists, including appearing on Gaines’ “Gaines for Girls” podcast to discuss the assertion that males hold a physical advantage in fencing. She intends to leverage her role as a public figure to exert pressure on political figures and sporting institutions.
“I’m excited about the future for women’s sports for the first time in a few years,” Turner stated, expressing optimism for potential policy resolutions this year.
USA Fencing Responds
Despite mounting scrutiny, USA Fencing defends its policies and probation of Turner. A spokesperson emphasized:
- Black cards are issued consistently, regardless of circumstances.
- Probationary periods are a standard action under their guidelines.
- Turner’s membership status remains unaffected, and she is eligible to compete in future tournaments.
The organization maintains that Turner’s black card was issued “in accordance with the same policy and procedures that apply to all black cards.”
