USA Fencing has responded to criticism about men allowing women's competition, saying they want to create a safe and inclusive space for “all people” to participate.
A male swordsman named Redmond Sullivan recently competed in the Women's Tournament at the University of Maryland.
Turner was given a black card by an official and subsequently kicked out of the tournament for refusing to compete with what he deemed a “qualified opponent.”
The male fencer was quickly exposed after already winning two gold medals in just six events against women, a personal third place against men between 2021 and 2023.
The news sparked a letter of demand from Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas). Senator Ted Cruz asked U.S. Fencing, the sport's governing body, to answer questions related to the number of matches women were forced to counter men. Similarly, the letter asked if injuries occurred in these matches.
“The policy was based on the research of the day.”
Now, USA Fencing responds to Blaze News and streamlines its policy for its movement process. 2023.
“This policy was designed to expand access to fencing sports and create an inclusive and safe space,” Nicole Kirk, communications coordinator for US Fencing, told Blaze News. “This policy is based on the principle that everyone should have the ability to participate in sports and is based on research from the day.”
The spokeswoman added that USA Fencing “understands that conversations about equity and inclusion regarding transgender participation in sports are evolving, but that “organizations are always on the 'inclusion side'.”
“I promise to amend policies as more relevant and evidence-based research emerges, or as policy changes take effect in the broader Olympic and Paralympic movement,” Kirk added. She also said it is important for the fencing community to engage in dialogue of this nature.
Education Department's Linda McMahon said Friday that she felt it was “not fair” to be put in such a situation. At the same time, McMahon I said Fox News' Harris Faulkner has launched a special Title IX Investigation Team to investigate possible violations of President Trump Presidential Order For this, women's competition must be women alone.
McMahon said the president “has made it clear that he would not tolerate men's inability to compete in women's sports.”
The secretary added that her team will investigate the claim and take action against the offenders.
USA Fencing did not respond to additional questions about whether the organization would change its policies to reflect President Trump's executive order, nor did it say if officials responded to Senator Cruz letter.
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