On May 24th, 2017, the co-owner of Sword Masters, Scott Harkey, publicly posted to his Facebook account the following status:

"Isn't it nice to have a first lady that's fluent in five languages and not just two... By 2 I mean English and Ebonics."

The intent of this petition has nothing to do with Mr. Harkey's political affiliation; the intent of this petition is rooted in a desire to protect athletes of all ages from the blatant racism Mr. Harkey has displayed.

As we stood together and proudly showed support for our first Muslim American woman to wear a hijab while competing in the Olympics, we must also stand together against allowing anyone who holds racist beliefs to profit from our athletes.

We, the members of the US Fencing Assocation, request the following:

1. That the contract with Sword Masters as the "Official Repair Center/Armorer of USA Fencing" be immediately terminated.

2. That Sword Masters issue a formal and public apology to all POC fencers in the community.

3. In the event that an apology is not forthcoming from Sword Masters, that Sword Masters be immediately and indefinitely banned from vending at any and all USFA sanctioned events.

As the first-ever 2015 recipient of the USOC's "Advancing Diversity and Inclusion Ward", we trust that USA Fencing will act swiftly and sternly to let it be known that racism will not be tolerated at any level.