Redmond Sullivan, a male who identifies as transgender, is no longer participating in the women’s fencing competition after a controversial incident involving female athlete Stephanie Turner.
Turner refused to compete against Sullivan, citing concerns over fairness and safety, and was disqualified with a black card—a move that has sparked widespread debate about the integrity of women’s sports.
Turner’s disqualification occurred during a March 30th fencing competition in Maryland. “I cried so much because I had spent quite a few months training specifically with this in mind,” she told NewsNation, expressing her belief that competing against biological males in women’s sports undermines the purpose of sex-based categories. She had made the decision in advance to forfeit if placed against a male competitor.
Rather than walk away quietly, Turner took a knee in protest, signaling her opposition to what she views as an unfair playing field. “I don’t want to pretend this is okay,” she said. Her action has drawn both support and criticism, reigniting the national conversation about how gender identity policies intersect with competitive equity in women’s athletics.
Wagner College, where Sullivan is affiliated, confirmed through spokesperson Jim Chiavelli that Sullivan is not currently part of the college’s fencing team and emphasized the institution’s compliance with NCAA and conference regulations. It remains unclear whether Sullivan withdrew voluntarily or was removed.
USA Fencing, the sport’s national governing body, released a statement reaffirming its commitment to “an inclusive, respectful community,” while also noting the need for policy review amid growing concerns. The organization condemned hate speech but acknowledged that the issue has generated strong, opposing viewpoints.
Meanwhile, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has opened an investigation into USA Fencing, examining whether the organization’s transgender participation policy violates state law. Paxton’s office is investigating potential “deceptive practices” and is expected to scrutinize the handling of biological sex in gender-segregated sports.
This isn’t the first time the legal system has taken interest in the issue. During his presidency, Donald Trump issued an executive order intended to preserve the integrity of women’s sports by banning biological males from competing in female athletic divisions. That order catalyzed a broader movement among conservative lawmakers and advocacy groups who argue that sex-based categories exist to ensure fair competition, not to accommodate gender identity.
Following Trump’s order, the NCAA revised its guidelines to bar student-athletes assigned male at birth from participating on women’s teams, sparking legal battles and policy challenges in various states.
Proponents of these policies argue they are necessary to protect the integrity of Title IX and prevent biological differences—such as muscle mass, bone density, and lung capacity—from giving trans-identifying males an unfair advantage over female athletes.
Turner’s protest adds to a growing list of athletes, parents, and coaches speaking out about what they perceive as policy overreach. These voices emphasize that inclusivity should not come at the expense of fairness, especially in competitive sports where physical differences can directly impact outcomes, scholarships, and safety.
Cases like this are becoming flashpoints in the broader cultural and legal debate over gender and sports. While some advocate for more inclusive frameworks, others insist that the current trajectory threatens decades of progress in women’s athletics.
Legal and legislative action continues to mount across the country, with lawmakers in multiple states proposing bills that would require athletes to compete based on their biological sex.
As the issue gains national attention, sports organizations face increasing pressure to clarify their policies and ensure transparency. With lawsuits pending and investigations underway, the future of women’s sports policy hangs in the balance.
For many athletes like Turner, this isn’t just a political debate—it’s a question of fairness, safety, and the very definition of competitive sport.
