Austin News

This week, U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz has accused USA Fencing of violating federal law by permitting male athletes, who identify as transgender women, to compete against female athletes. This issue was brought to the Senator's attention following an incident involving Stephanie Turner, who was disqualified for refusing to compete against a male opponent by taking a knee. In a letter directed to USA Fencing CEO Phil Andrews, Cruz labeled the organization's "commitment to inclusivity" as a means to support male participation in female sports.

Cruz emphasized that USA Fencing, as the National Governing Body (NGB) for fencing, is legally bound to provide a safe environment for female athletes. Furthermore, he highlighted that President Trump issued an executive order named Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports to ensure that only women participate in female sports events.

He argued that USA Fencing's actions disregard these statutory duties and the executive order, potentially justifying Congress's withdrawal of USA Fencing's recognition as the governing body for fencing.

In his letter, Cruz wrote: “It has come to my attention that USA Fencing is still permitting men to compete in women’s fencing in violation of federal law. I’m writing to ask why. Your organization is the recognized National Governing Body (NGB) for fencing in the United States, but to remain so it must comply with United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee rules and procedures, its statutory obligations to protect women, and President Trump’s recent Executive Order (EO) on Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports. If it does not, and instead continues to put women at risk, Congress may be forced to terminate USA Fencing’s NGB’s certification."

Referring to the incident involving Stephanie Turner at the Cherry Blossom Open Circuit at the University of Maryland, Cruz remarked on her disqualification after she refused to fence a transgender athlete. Following this, USA Fencing's Director of Communications, Bryan Wendell, stated that Turner's disqualification was due to her refusal to compete, citing International Fencing Federation (FIE) rules, and reiterated USA Fencing's commitment to inclusivity.

Cruz stated: "USA Fencing’s commitment to ‘inclusivity’ is nothing less than full-throated support for males competing in women’s sports in violation of federal law. As the recognized NGB for fencing, USA Fencing is required to provide ‘support and encouragement for participation by women where separate programs for male and female athletes are conducted on a national basis’ as well as a ‘safe environment in sports.’ Failure to do so is grounds for the United States Congress to terminate USA Fencing’s certification as a NGB. Moreover, USA Fencing must comply with President Trump’s February 2025 EO on Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports, which protects the integrity of female athletics by ensuring that only women compete in women’s sports.”

Cruz cited a report by the United Nations titled "Violence Against Women and Girls: Its Causes and Consequences," which underscores the increased risk of injury for female athletes competing against male opponents. According to the report, over 600 female athletes have lost medals to male competitors, pointing out that "males have certain performance advantages in sports."

The letter concluded that acknowledging these inherent advantages and the risks involved is vital for preserving the integrity of women's sports.

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