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Belonging and Inclusion Station

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    Welcome!

    The NSDA is committed to fostering a tournament environment where all members feel heard, included, and safe. The Belonging and Inclusion Station (BIS) provides interpersonal support to those who feel excluded and helps uphold the NSDA Harassment and Discrimination Policy. Rooted in the principles of teaching, learning, and healing, the BIS addresses concerns through dialogue and education, reserving corrective measures for situations where education alone cannot resolve an issue.

    NSDA Belonging and Inclusion Station

    Reasons to visit the BIS include (but are not limited to)

    • An individual makes an inappropriate joke.
    • A really powerful speech (that violates no rules) triggers emotions in a contestant or judge, and they need space to process their feelings.
    • An individual feels overwhelmed or alone and needs a listening ear or encouragement. 
    • A contestant is rude or unkind to another contestant. 

    Learn more about our purpose »

    Interested in bringing a Belonging and Inclusion Station to your tournament? We’ve got you covered!
    Explore the BIS Development and Implementation Guide for answers, resources, and everything you need to get started.

    Tips for Intervention & Support
    BIS Guide

    BIS Info Session

    In 2022, we introduced the Belonging and Inclusion Station (BIS) and listened to your feedback—then we took action!

    Watch the 2023 BIS Info Session to learn how to set up a station at your next tournament. Dr. Paul Porter, NSDA Director of DEI, and Kara Smith, NSDA Manager of Competition and Events, explain the purpose of the BIS, recent updates, and training opportunities for Belonging and Inclusion Advocates.

    BIS What’s New in 2023-2024

    Have you been a BIA in the past? Listen to this short video to learn about the changes made in 2023-2024.

    Related Definitions

    Learn more

    About the Belonging and Inclusion Advocate

    Learn more

    HARASSMENT (OR UNWELCOME CONDUCT)

    Unwelcome conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the recipient’s participation at the district and/or national tournament (e.g., name-calling, graphic or written statements—including the use of cell phones or the internet; conduct that may be physically threatening, harmful, or humiliating).

    Types of harassment include:  

    Gender-Based Harassment Unwelcome conduct of a nonsexual nature based on a student’s sex, including conduct based on gender identity, gender expression, and nonconformity with gender stereotypes. 

    Hostile Environment When harassment is sufficiently serious to deny or limit the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the organization’s programs or activities. A hostile environment can be created by anyone involved in an organization-sponsored program or activity (e.g., administrators, students, and visitors). 

    Retaliation Action taken by an accused individual, or an action taken by a third party against any person that has opposed any practices forbidden under this policy or because that person has filed a complaint, testified, assisted, or participated in any manner in an investigation or proceeding under this policy. Action is generally deemed retaliatory if it would deter a reasonable person in the same circumstances from opposing practices prohibited by this policy.

    Sexual Harassment Unwanted conduct of a sexual nature. Examples include: Unwelcomed sexual behavior, advances, or requests for favors; unwelcomed verbal, visual, or physical sexual conduct; offensive, severe, and/or frequent remarks about a person’s sex; harassment of a sexual nature which interferes with an individual’s right to an education and participation in a program or activity.

    Bullying Unwanted, aggressive behavior involving a real or perceived power imbalance that is repeated or has the potential to be repeated. Types of bullying include:
    • VERBAL: teasing, name-calling, inappropriate sexual comments, taunting, threatening to cause harm
    • SOCIAL: leaving someone out on purpose, telling others to not befriend someone, spreading rumors about someone, embarrassing someone in public
    • PHYSICAL: hitting/kicking/pinching, spitting, tipping/pushing, taking or breaking someone’s things, making mean or rude hand gestures (Source: United States Dept. of Health & Human Services – stopybullying.gov)
    • CYBER: bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets. Cyberbullying can occur through SMS, Text, and apps, or online in social media, forums, or gaming where people can view, participate in, or share content. Cyberbullying includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else. It can include sharing personal or private information about someone else causing embarrassment or humiliation. Some cyberbullying crosses the line into unlawful or criminal behavior.

    CONCERNED PERSON

    The individual who is visiting the BIS to raise a concern.

    DISCRIMINATION

    Treatment of a person (favorably or less favorably) than another person or persons based on characteristics including, but not limited to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by any applicable federal, state, or local law.

    BIAS INCIDENT

    An act of prejudice against an individual or groups in which  there is evidence that the target or victim was chosen on the basis of (but not limited to) race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by any applicable federal, state, or local law. Examples may include, but not limited to vandalism to personal or school property, intimidating comments or messages, defacement of posters or signs.

    SUBJECT OF CONCERN

    Someone alleged to have been involved in an incident of prohibited behavior.

    CORRECTIVE ACTION

    Action(s) designed to improve and/or prevent unwanted or inappropriate behavior.

    INTERPERSONAL SUPPORT

    Caring and supportive interaction with an individual who feels excluded by an element of the tournament or feels emotionally distraught.

    NSDA Harassment and Discrimination Policy

    The National Speech & Debate Association is committed to providing its participants, judges, coaches, and staff the opportunity to pursue excellence in their endeavors. This opportunity can exist only when each member of our community is assured an atmosphere of mutual respect. The NSDA prohibits all forms of harassment and discrimination. Accordingly, all forms of harassment and discrimination, whether written or oral, based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by any applicable federal, state, or local law are prohibited, whether committed by participants, judges, coaches, or observers. Individuals who are found to have violated this policy will be subject to the full range of sanctions, up to and including removal from the tournament premises.

    The Belonging and Inclusion Advocate (BIA) is the primary point of contact for anyone at a tournament in need of support or with concerns about harassment, discrimination, or inappropriate conduct. 

    Whenever possible, BIAs should not serve as judges, tournament directors, or tab staff to remain fully available. If this isn’t feasible, plan for potential conflicts with other tournament responsibilities.

    Ideal Qualifications:

    • Commitment to a safe, equitable environment
    • Strong interpersonal skills (e.g., active listening, empathy)
    • De-escalation expertise
    • Interpersonal communication competence
    • Training in harassment and discrimination, particularly in school settings
    • Experience with K-12 students, educators, counseling, or trauma-informed practices
    • Knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

    Did You Know?

    Interested in becoming a BIA or know someone who would be a great fit? The NSDA offers year-round training, and all BIAs at NSDA-sponsored events must complete virtual training.

    All BIAs at NSDA-sponsored events must complete the virtual BIA training.

    Intake Process

    Note: This section details the intake, inquiry, and resolution process for the BIS at NSDA district and national tournaments. Other tournaments are encouraged to adapt this model as needed. For guidance on responding to harassment or discrimination violations, consult your school district administration.

    The following process will be followed when someone seeks support at the BIS:

    Intake

    A concerned person wants an issue addressed beyond interpersonal support/care and puts their concern in writing via the Intake Form 

    Inquiry

    BIA collects information on the concern

    Resolution

    If necessary, BIA recommends a corrective action

    Appeal

    Subject of concern has an option to appeal corrective action

    We aim to address BIS concerns through healing and education first. The resolution and appeal process should be used only when behavior requires further action.

    Inquiry

    Upon receiving a written concern, the BIA will gather information by speaking with the concerned person, their supervising adult (if the concerned person is a student), and any available witnesses. If applicable, the BIA will meet separately and privately with the subject of concern.

    Resolution

    After gathering information from all parties and witnesses, the BIA will share findings and categories:

    Example of Behavior

    Corrective Action

    No Violation

    		 A student feels alone at the tournament and wants to drop The BIA provides support and care to the concerned person. No further action required.

    Verbal Warning

    		 Comments or jokes considered inappropriate or offensive Subject of concern receives a verbal warning and instruction on how to address their behavior and prevent repeated behavior.

    Written Warning
    • Perceived inappropriate contact or communication from a judge or coach to another tournament participant. This contact might be email outreach, private message through social media prior to or during the tournament, etc. 
    • Repeated or additional actions from previous tournaments.
    		 First and final warning from the tournament director to the subject of concern’s coach, guardian, or supervising adult.

    Sanction

     
    • Sexual harassment or assault
    • Physical violence against another tournament participant 
    • Repeated or additional actions from previous tournaments
    • Consult with tournament director on appropriate sanction 
    • Letter to subject of concern’s guardian and/or supervising adult 

     

    Note: If someone reports sexual assault/violence, the BIA, tournament director, or concerned person’s supervising adult should contact law enforcement immediately.

    Appeal

    If the subject of concern disagrees with the corrective action, they may request an appeal.

    • For decisions made during a tournament, appeals should be submitted in writing (including virtually) to the tournament director as soon as possible, who will review and respond within a reasonable time frame.
    • For decisions made during after a tournament, appeals must also be submitted promptly in writing (including virtually) to the tournament director, who will review and respond within a reasonable time frame.

    Note:Any concerning behavior taking place at an NSDA-sanctioned event (e.g. Last Chance Qualifier, NSDA National Speech and Debate Tournament),may be considered if further concerns arise during another NSDA-sanctioned event. Anyone offering a BIS at a non-NSDA-sanctioned event should consult with their respective governing body (if applicable).

    Belonging and Inclusion Station FAQs

    Can I go to the BIS if I have a concern but don’t necessarily want someone to get in trouble?
    • Yes! The BIS is a supportive space for those who need to be heard. We only use corrective action when a concern cannot be resolved through dialogue and education.
    What do I do if I’ve been harassed or discriminated against at the tournament?
    • If you’re a student, you should immediately inform an adult, such as your coach, a parent, or the tournament office. If you are a coach, judge, or adult, please go to the tournament office and inform someone that you need to talk to the Belonging and Inclusion Advocate.
    If I am working a tournament office with a BIS and I don’t want a concerned person to feel forced to tell me the details of their concern. What’s the best way to deternine if they need to visit the BIS?

    Ask them if their concern is related to competition or conduct. If it’s a concern about conduct, the BIS is the place to go. If the concern involves both, the tournament director should collaborate with the Belonging and Inclusion Advocate to address and resolve the issues relative to their role.

    What happens when I fill out an intake form?
    • The Belonging and Inclusion Advocate will gather information from you and others involved in the event(s) that led to your concern. The BIA will ensure you feel heard and supported. After gathering all relevant information, the BIA will determine whether the concern can be addressed through education or if corrective action is needed.
      • Note: If the concerned person is a student, the BIA should contact their supervising adult and ask them for help in coordinating a meeting.
    If something happened to me at a tournament two weeks ago, can I come to the BIS and raise a concern about that event?
    • If a concern is expressed or discovered after the tournament, students should reach out to their coach or supervising adult. Coaches and judges should contact the tournament director.
    What can I do if I have a concern about something that happened at a tournament, but don’t decide to say something until three days after the tournament?

    If a concern is discovered or expressed after the tournament, it is recommended that you reach out to the tournament director.

    What if the concerning behavior happens on the bus to/from the tournament or at the hotel during an overnight stay?

    These concerns should be addressed by the supervising adult and/or school administration (if applicable)

    Where do I go for a concern that is related to both conduct and competition (e.g. a contestant in your round uses props in interp and the judge makes inappropriate jokes)?

    Go to the tournament office. If the concern involves both competition and conduct, the tournament director should collaborate with the Belonging and Inclusion Advocate to address and resolve the issues relative to their role.

    What do you mean by harassment and discrimination?

    The BIS uses the following definitions for harassment and discrimination: 

    • Harassment Unwelcome conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the recipient’s participation at the district and/or national tournament (e.g., name-calling, graphic or written statements—including the use of cell phones or the internet, conduct that may be physically threatening, harmful, or humiliating).
    • Discrimination Treatment of a person (favorably or less favorably) than another person or persons based on characteristics including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by any applicable federal, state, or local law.