USA Fencing defends trans inclusion policies amid mass backlash after Stephanie Turner kneels in protests

Fencer Stephanie Turner reveals why she took herself out of the tournament when faced with a transgender opponent on 'America Report.'

USA Fencing has come under fire after a viral video of women's fencer Stephanie Turner kneeling in protest of a transgender opponent. 

Prominent figures, including J. K. Rowling and Martina Navratilova, have weighed in on social media, alongside thousands of women's sports rights activists.

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Fencer Stephanie Sullivan kneels in front of a USA Fencing official. (Courtesy of ICONS)

USA Fencing addressed the controversy with a public statement on Thursday, defending its trans-inclusion policies. 

"USA Fencing remains committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful community for everyone in our sport. We believe in the principle of creating a safe communities where all athletes, and community members, have a place," the statement read. 

"While we understand there are a range of perspectives, USA Fencing will continue to engage in respectful, research-based dialogue and review as policy evolves in the Olympic and Paralympic movement as well as domestic law, hate speech of any kind is not acceptable—online or in person. Let's keep the conversation respectful and the strip welcoming to all." 

The organization first enacted its current trans-inclusion policy in 2023. It allows transgender athletes to compete in the women's category at both the junior and senior level after completing one calendar year of testosterone suppression treatment. Proof of compliant hormone therapy must be provided prior to competition, but the organization has taken even further steps to prioritize its trans competitors. 

In November 2022, it announced a policy to