August 04, 2025
In a significant development, the Education Department announced on Friday that Wagner College will extend an apology to female fencers and any athletes who faced competition against a transgender woman within its athletics program. This resolution marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding gender inclusivity in sports.
The agreement follows an incident where a cisgender female athlete opted out of competing against a transgender woman during a USA Fencing event held at the University of Maryland. The athlete, a 31-year-old competitor, faced disqualification for her decision to kneel in protest.
Red Sullivan, a sophomore at Wagner, previously competed on the men’s fencing team during her freshman year and transitioned to the women’s team after becoming medically eligible in the fall of 2024, as reported by various media outlets. Recent reports indicate that Sullivan has since transferred from Wagner, highlighting the complexities surrounding athlete participation in gendered sports categories.
This resolution mirrors a previous agreement reached by the Education Department with another institution, which was found in violation of Title IX for permitting a transgender woman to compete on the women’s swim team three years prior. Such agreements underscore the ongoing scrutiny and evolving policies regarding transgender athletes in collegiate sports.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon stated, “Wagner has committed to revising its policies to align with Title IX and has acknowledged the implications of allowing a male athlete on the women’s fencing team. This is a crucial step towards ensuring that female athletes have equitable opportunities in sports.” She further emphasized the importance of this agreement in fostering a fair competitive environment for future generations of women and girls.
As part of the resolution, Wagner College, located on Staten Island, New York, will publicly affirm that transgender women are not permitted to compete on women’s sports teams. Additionally, the college has confirmed that no transgender woman has received any athletic accolades or records while participating in women’s athletics.
In conclusion, this agreement not only addresses the immediate concerns raised by the incident but also sets a precedent for how institutions navigate the complexities of gender and sports. The dialogue surrounding transgender participation in athletics continues to evolve, and this resolution is a testament to the ongoing efforts to balance inclusivity with fairness in competitive sports.