Introduction
Preamble: The National Parliamentary Debate Association (NPDA) promotes parliamentary debate as a contest of knowledge, wit and argumentation conducted in a setting of civility and mutual respect. All eligible, qualified members should have access to debate activities without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, use of a service animal, or any other characteristic or trait protected by state or federal law. These principles should guide the behavior and conduct of all members of and participants in the organization.
While this policy is largely directed at sexual discrimination, sexual harassment and/or sexual violence, the principles herein shall be considered a model for dealing with all forms of harassment and/or violence.
This policy is intended to eliminate specific behaviors and address concerns which may arise while participating in NPDA events and activities and to provide a forum for resolution of conflicts.
This policy supplements, but does not replace the institutional policies of each participant's school and the applicable federal and state laws.
Debate, Free Expression and Harassment
Academic debate provides a forum for the expression, criticism and discussion (and for the tolerance) of a wide range of opinions. Participants are encouraged to develop skills in reasoned and supported argument while avoiding the pitfalls of faulty argument. Academic debate is not a license for demeaning actions and the NPDA does not tolerate harassment. Any participant who suffers discrimination or harassment as part of an NPDA event or activity is denied an equal opportunity to work, learn and grow in the arena of academic debate.
Sexual Harassment and/or Sexual Violence
Sexual Harassment is unwelcome verbal, nonverbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature that is sufficiently severe or persistent or pervasive such that it unreasonably interferes with, limits or deprives someone of the ability to participate in or benefit from participating in NPDA's educational events and activities. The unwelcome behavior may be based on power differentials (quid pro quo), the creation of a hostile environment, or retaliation. A single instance of sexual assault may be sufficient to constitute a hostile environment.
The NPDA will rely on the OCR's definition and other relevant legal definitions of harassment to guide its implementation of this policy. The complainant's perceptions are an important factor in determining whether specific conduct meets the definition listed above. In addition, it is important to recognize that other factors (e.g., supervisory authority, power relationships, etc.) may affect the relationships between the complainant and the accused and that these factors can compound the degree of threat or potential harm perceived in a situation.
Other Forms of Harassment
Like sexual harassment, harassment because of a race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, use of a service animal, or any other characteristic or trait protected by state or federal law will not be tolerated. In general, slurs, jokes and other verbal or physical conduct relating to a person's race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, use of a service animal, or any other characteristic or trait protected by state or federal law constitute harassment when they are sufficiently severe or persistent or pervasive such that it unreasonably interferes with, limits or deprives someone of the ability to participate in or benefit from participating in NPDA's educational events and activities.
Addressing and reporting harassment and/or violence at the NPDA National Championship Tournament or concerning members of the NPDA Executive Council.
In the event of a report of harassment, including a report received under the procedures outlined in Section C of this policy, care shall be taken, guided by the totality of the facts, during and after the investigatory process to reduce the potential for future incidents of harassment as defined above, as well as to ensure that complainants and accused are not forced in proximity to one another as part of the competitive experience. These measures include, but are not limited to:
Appeals of NPDA decisions regarding sexual harassment complaints are limited to questions of proper process. Such appeals shall be directed in writing to the full Executive Council. Such appeals are not automatic.
Addressing and reporting harassment and/or violence that has occurred outside of the NPDA National Championship Tournament.
Documenting Instances of Concern
Organizational Cooperation
In the event that NPDA receives a complaint pursuant to this policy, information, including complaints and verification of clearance, will be shared as necessary and legally permitted with the National Parliamentary Tournament of Excellence. Each organization will make independent determinations regarding appropriate sanctions.