Minnesota’s Response to USA Fencing’s New Policy

The Minnesota division of USA Fencing has announced a significant shift in its event sanctioning approach, opting to only approve mixed-gender competitions. This decision comes as a direct response to recent policy changes by USA Fencing, which now restricts women’s category participation to biological females. The policy change aligns with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee’s (USOPC) updated athlete safety guidelines, influenced by President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at excluding trans women from women’s sports.

Criticism of the New Policy

The Minnesota division has openly criticized the new policy, labeling it as “harmful” and expressing concern over its impact on the fencing community. The division emphasized its commitment to inclusivity and highlighted the confusion and distress caused by the policy changes. The announcement underscored the division’s obligation to adhere to the Minnesota Human Rights Act, which protects gender identity, creating a complex situation as they navigate compliance with both state and national regulations.

Ongoing Controversies in USA Fencing

USA Fencing has been at the center of national scrutiny regarding its gender eligibility policies. The controversy intensified following an incident where fencer Stephanie Turner protested against competing with a trans opponent, leading to her disqualification. This incident sparked widespread debate and was even discussed in a federal hearing. Additionally, internal disputes within USA Fencing have led to legal challenges, with board members filing lawsuits over alleged false statements made during congressional testimony.

Minnesota’s Legal Challenges

Minnesota remains one of the states most resistant to Trump’s executive order on women’s sports. The state is currently under investigation by federal agencies for its policies allowing trans athletes in women’s sports, with Title IX investigations underway. Furthermore, Minnesota faces legal battles, including a lawsuit filed by Attorney General Keith Ellison against the Trump administration and another involving anonymous softball players challenging state policies.