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Less than two months after women’s fencer Stephanie Turner faced disqualification and removal from a tournament for protesting against a transgender opponent, the situation escalated at a federal hearing. This event saw the organization’s leadership being scrutinized for their handling of the situation.
During the hearing conducted by the Department of Government Efficiency Subcommittee, titled “Unfair Play: Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” USA Fencing Chair Damien Lehfeldt came under fire from Republican lawmakers. The questioning intensified as they sought answers regarding how Turner’s disqualification was managed, igniting debates about fairness in women’s sports.
Post-hearing, Turner expressed her commitment to advocating for leadership changes within USA Fencing, indicating her determination to push for resignations of key figures tied to the controversy. She stated her intentions during an interview with Fox News Digital, saying, “I’m going to be pushing for people to resign, to be honest. I’d like to see some people resign for the comments that they’ve made, especially publicly, ones that are harassing and meant to humiliate concerned women, mothers and daughters.”
In response to Turner’s calls for changes, USA Fencing issued a statement emphasizing its focus on serving its athletes. The statement asserted, “We respect Ms. Turner’s right to share her views. The volunteer members of USA Fencing’s Board, elected by our membership, remain focused on serving athletes and meeting our obligations under the Ted Stevens Act and other governing-body rules. No leadership changes are under consideration.”
Lehfeldt’s performance at the hearing was further complicated by his prior social media posts. In a bold statement made on Instagram, he had previously acknowledged he was comfortable with the idea of female fencers facing disadvantages. This comment became a focal point during the inquiry. He later admitted that his initial reply required a more nuanced response.
Turner commented on Lehfeldt’s statements, expressing surprise at his admissions during the hearing. “He was under oath, but I was surprised that he admitted having written a fake response that he posted on his Instagram,” she said. Her point underscores the critical view shared by many, highlighting the need for accountability and careful consideration in leadership roles.
USA Fencing quickly clarified that Lehfeldt’s social media commentary was issued in a personal capacity and did not represent the organization’s official stance. “Mr. Lehfeldt’s pre-hearing social posts were made in a personal capacity. Before and during the hearing, he clarified that the comments do not reflect USA Fencing policy and expressed regret for any confusion they caused,” the statement mentioned.
The hearing’s atmosphere became contentious as committee members offered their perspectives on the issue. Republican Representative Tim Burchett from Tennessee posed a challenging question to Lehfeldt, asking whether he would allow his daughter to compete against a male athlete. Lehfeldt responded that he would support such a competition as long as the opponent complied with hormonal requirements as per the organization’s policy.
Further tension arose during the hearing when Representative Nancy Mace from South Carolina criticized Lehfeldt’s gender eligibility policy, stating, “Real men protect women, you’re not one.” Mace pressed him to apologize to Turner for her punishment, but Lehfeldt refrained, arguing he had to uphold the established policies in place.
However, Turner clarified that she was not seeking an apology. “I want more than an apology. I want a change in policy and I want people to start speaking the truth again,” she stated. Her assertion reflects a broader call for action among those who feel sidelined within the current framework.
USA Fencing’s current trans-inclusion policy, which was implemented in 2023, permits transgender athletes to participate in the women’s category after completing a year of testosterone suppression treatment. Furthermore, proof of compliant hormone therapy is a prerequisite for competition. Following the incident with Turner, USA Fencing acknowledged the need to reassess its policies and is considering potential changes.
A proposed update to the policy suggests that should USA Fencing be compelled to alter its stance due to oversight bodies or federal legislation, athletes competing in sanctioned tournaments may need to compete according to their biological sex. Such changes would aim to reserve the women’s category exclusively for athletes designated female at birth.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon has announced the formation of an investigative team to scrutinize this incident involving Turner and her trans competitor, Redmond Sullivan. This governmental inquiry underscores the ongoing dialogue about fairness in athletic competition and the importance of equitable policies.
Meanwhile, Turner is currently taking a hiatus from fencing amid the ongoing controversy. “I don’t see how I can spend the money to go to a tournament and have there be multiple officials that I know who are deeply against me,” she stated, indicating the depth of divisions and challenges arising from this debate. Her experience highlights the personal impact of policy decisions on athletes’ lives.
The unfolding events in USA Fencing reflect a larger national debate surrounding transgender participation in sports, emphasizing the need for continuous dialogue and potential policy reassessments. As public and private entities engage with these complex issues, the outcomes could significantly shape the future of competitive athletics in the United States.
