Stephanie Turner’s viral protest against USA Fencing’s trans policy cost her a year of competition—but it opened the door to something bigger. Now, she’s becoming a full-time advocate in the growing movement to restore women’s sports.
Key Facts:
- Stephanie Turner was placed on 12-month probation by USA Fencing after refusing to compete against a trans athlete at a March 30 tournament.
- Turner protested by kneeling and forfeiting the match, which resulted in a black card and her removal from the event.
- The protest drew national attention and triggered a federal Title IX investigation backed by the Trump administration.
- Turner has announced her intention to stop competing in U.S. events and focus entirely on advocacy against men in women’s sports.
- She will appear on the “Gaines for Girls” podcast and is working with women’s sports rights activists like Riley Gaines.
The Rest of the Story: USA Fencing Protest Sparks Political Firestorm
Stephanie Turner, a 31-year-old fencer from Maryland, has stepped away from competition after a high-profile protest.
At the Cherry Blossom Open, she refused to fence trans athlete Redmond Sullivan.
Kneeling instead of competing, Turner was issued a black card, placed on probation, and escorted out of the venue.
The moment went viral and brought serious backlash onto USA Fencing, including a federal investigation launched by the Department of Education and Department of Justice.
A new Title IX team will lead the probe.
Turner, meanwhile, has shifted her focus from the fencing strip to the political stage, working to stop biological males from competing in women’s sports.
She’s no longer worried about her job but has lost friends, many of whom were unaware of her stance.
Turner now plans to remain in the spotlight, using her story and platform to influence policy and bring national attention to the issue.
🚨NEW: I am announcing an investigation and issuing a Civil Investigative Demand (“CID”) to USA Fencing over potential violations of Texas state law.
USA Fencing recently disqualified a female competitor, Stephanie Turner, for bravely taking a knee instead of competing against… pic.twitter.com/IbwHa4u9ad— Attorney General Ken Paxton (@KenPaxtonTX) April 8, 2025
Commentary: USA Fencing’s Policies Must Be Held Accountable
USA Fencing’s leadership has made it clear that female athletes come second to an ideology.
That ideology, as Turner exposed, forces women to accept unfair competition in silence—or suffer consequences for speaking up.
Turner did speak up, and they tried to punish her for it.
🚨NEW: I am announcing an investigation and issuing a Civil Investigative Demand (“CID”) to USA Fencing over potential violations of Texas state law.
USA Fencing recently disqualified a female competitor, Stephanie Turner, for bravely taking a knee instead of competing against… pic.twitter.com/IbwHa4u9ad— Attorney General Ken Paxton (@KenPaxtonTX) April 8, 2025
But instead of backing down, she’s doubled down—something more athletes need to do.
While USA Fencing tries to act like this is “just a black card,” the reality is they’re enforcing a political agenda with real consequences for women.
This incident shows how far sports institutions have fallen.
Turner’s brave decision revealed just how fragile the system is when exposed to truth.
USA Fencing deserves not just scrutiny—but a full reckoning.
If federal funds are going to this organization, the DOJ and DOE have every right—and duty—to investigate.
It’s also encouraging to see Turner working with Riley Gaines and stepping into media that’s willing to tell the truth.
She’s taken the fight public, and her voice could shift the conversation nationwide.
Women’s sports are under siege, and the people running USA Fencing are complicit.
Until leaders like these are removed, and policies reversed, real fairness in women’s athletics will remain out of reach.
Turner’s courage shows us what’s at stake—and who’s willing to fight for it.
The Bottom Line
Stephanie Turner’s protest may have cost her a spot in the next tournament, but it launched her into a leadership role in one of the most urgent fights in sports today.
USA Fencing now faces a federal probe, and Turner isn’t backing down.
If anything, this is just the beginning of her second act.
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