**USA Fencing Revises Controversial Policies Amid Criticism**
USA Fencing has announced significant changes to two of its previously controversial policies following a board of directors meeting last Saturday. The organization has communicated these updates to the public, indicating a shift in its approach to event hosting and national anthem requirements.
One of the key changes involves the organization’s stance on hosting events in states with laws perceived as anti-LGBTQ. USA Fencing will now consider all 50 states equally when planning events, moving away from its previous policy that discouraged hosting in certain states. Additionally, the organization has modified its policy regarding the national anthem, which will no longer be a requirement before specific events.
Despite these changes, USA Fencing has not provided detailed explanations for the decisions. A spokesperson stated, “It would be inappropriate for staff to speculate on the personal motivations of USA Fencing’s volunteer Board of Directors.”
In a notable shift, USA Fencing is now planning competitions in six states that it had previously advised against, including Texas, Missouri, and Florida. Only three states that were not on the organization’s avoidance list are set to host national tournaments next season. A spokesperson explained, “We merged several overlapping documents into one policy that scores every bid — regardless of state — on cost, safety, and travel convenience.” The upcoming national events will take place across nine states, including Texas, Missouri, Florida, Utah, Ohio, Virginia, Oregon, Tennessee, and Nevada.
Previously, the organization prioritized host cities in states without laws that “harm members of LGBTQ communities” and those that do not “undermine the reproductive health of women.” States on the “do not allow” list included Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Texas. Meanwhile, the “avoid where possible” list encompassed states like Alaska, Arizona, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Utah, West Virginia, Wyoming, Alabama, Arkansas, and others.
The previous policy faced significant backlash, particularly after fencer Stephanie Turner protested against a transgender opponent during a competition in Maryland. This incident led to increased scrutiny of USA Fencing’s policies, culminating in a testimony against the organization’s chair regarding its transgender eligibility policies.
As USA Fencing moves forward with these policy changes, the implications for future events and the broader conversation around inclusivity in sports remain to be seen.
**FAQ**
**What prompted USA Fencing to change its policies?**
USA Fencing revised its policies in response to criticism and backlash regarding its previous stance on hosting events in states with anti-LGBTQ laws and the requirement of playing the national anthem at certain events.
