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Transgender fencer Redmond Sullivan is no longer part of Wagner College's women's fencing team following a recent controversy at a Maryland competition.
Wagner College confirmed the news to Fox News Digital over a week after the incident occurred at the Cherry Blossom Open.
The controversy arose when Stephanie Turner, representing the Fencing Academy of Philadelphia, declined to compete against Sullivan, kneeling in protest of USA Fencing’s transgender inclusion policies.
Turner had already completed four matches before her scheduled bout with Sullivan at the tournament.
"I took a knee immediately at that point," Turner explained after the incident.
She told Sullivan: "I am sorry. I have a lot of love and respect for you, but I will not fence you."
Turner was subsequently disqualified from the event and shown a black card, typically reserved for unsporting conduct.
"This is a serious issue that is happening within all sports," Turner later told Fox News Digital.
"It is a civil rights movement for women and girls, and I prioritize the safety and rights and protection of women and girls over trans-identified males," she added.
Sullivan took part in multiple meets with Wagner College's women's fencing team during the first half of the 2024–25 season.
Before that, she competed on the men's team during the 2023–24 season, as shown in scoresheets from that time.
The NCAA recently updated its transgender inclusion policy, declaring: “A student-athlete assigned male at birth is not permitted to compete on a women’s team.”
Following the incident, USA Fencing stood by its transgender participation policies.
"Our current policy for transgender and non-binary athletes was implemented in 2023 with the goal of broadening access to fencing and fostering inclusive, safe environments," the organization stated.
They stressed that the policy is rooted in the belief that "everyone deserves the opportunity to take part in sports."
USA Fencing also noted, "We will always prioritize inclusion."
Sullivan's club team, Iconic Fencing Club, issued a statement supporting the athlete after the incident.
"Red has followed every rule and guideline set forth by the FIE and USA Fencing," the statement said.
"She has every right to compete in the events that she qualifies for, and has long since met the criteria to do so."
The club emphasised that fencing is "rooted in a deep tradition of honour, sportsmanship, inclusion, and respect."
