Fencer Stephanie Turner Suspended After Refusing Match With Biological Male, Leaves Fencing Circuit [WATCH]

Stephanie Turner, a 31-year-old fencer from Maryland, is stepping away from competition following a 12-month probation issued by USA Fencing after she refused to compete against a transgender athlete at a recent tournament.

As Fox News reported, the disciplinary action stems from an incident on March 30 at the Cherry Blossom Open, where Turner knelt in protest and declined to fence against Redmond Sullivan, a biologically male athlete competing in the women’s category.

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Turner received a black card for forfeiting the match and was escorted out of the venue. USA Fencing confirmed to Fox News Digital that the black card resulted in a year-long probation.

Though she remains eligible to compete under the terms of the probation, Turner stated she will not participate in events on the U.S. circuit for the foreseeable future.

The protest quickly drew national attention and has since prompted a federal investigation into USA Fencing’s gender eligibility policies.

President Donald Trump’s administration has launched a formal probe through the Department of Education and the Department of Justice, specifically under the Title IX Special Investigations team.

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Julie Hartman, a spokesperson for the Department of Education, said in a statement:

“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 stated it will cooperate with the investigation and defended its decision to issue the black card.

“Stephanie Turner’s black card was issued in accordance with the same policy and procedures that apply to all black cards at USA Fencing-sanctioned events. Under our rules, a black card results in a probationary period for 12 months — a standard action specified by our policy.”

Turner, meanwhile, is using her platform to advocate for a ban on male athletes in women’s sports. She is expected to testify at an upcoming congressional hearing announced by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, which will address USA Fencing’s policies and Turner’s case specifically.

“I will remain in the public eye for as long as it takes to resolve this,” Turner said, indicating her intent to continue speaking out until the issue is addressed.

She also appeared on the Gaines for Girls podcast, hosted by women’s sports activist Riley Gaines, where she discussed her views on transgender participation in women’s sports.

Turner revealed that she was previously a registered Democrat but began questioning her political alignment after watching Riley Gaines compete against Lia Thomas at the 2022 NCAA championships.

That event, she said, prompted her shift toward conservative views on social, economic, and foreign policy issues.

Though she initially feared losing her job over the protest, Turner has not faced termination. Instead, she says she’s experienced strained relationships with friends, particularly those within the LGBT community.

“I’m mindful to give them enough space,” Turner said, adding that she believes some may eventually understand her position.

Looking forward, Turner plans to continue engaging with conservative media and advocacy efforts aimed at protecting women’s sports.

“I’m excited about the future for the first time in women’s sports for a few years. I think it’s picking up speed, and we might see a resolution this year.”

As Turner steps away from fencing, USA Fencing remains under increased scrutiny as federal authorities begin their investigation and members of Congress prepare to take a closer look at the organization’s gender inclusion policies.

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