Class-action Lawsuit Accuses USA Fencing of Title IX Violations for Allowing Trans Athletes in Women's Events

A class-action lawsuit has been filed against USA Fencing Association (USFA) by Olympian Margherita Guzzi Vincenti and other female fencers, alleging that USFA violated Title IX by allowing transgender athletes to compete in women's events, specifically citing the January 2025 North American Cup in Kansas City. The plaintiffs claim USFA misrepresented its funding status, as it received over $1.2 million from the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee in 2025, and therefore is required to comply with President Trump's Executive Order 14201, which prohibits biological males from competing in women's sports in federally funded programs. The lawsuit details that USFA's policies allowed self-identification without verification, enabling biological males, including those under 16, to compete in women's events without hormone suppression compliance. Additionally, the plaintiffs argue that USFA failed to inform participants about transgender athlete participation, denying female athletes and their families the ability to make informed decisions. USFA has denied all allegations and stated it will address the matter through the legal process without further comment. The lawsuit underscores concerns about fairness and preserving opportunities for female athletes competing on equal terms.