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Belonging and Inclusion Station

    Group of illustrated people standing together.

    What is a Belonging and Inclusion Station? 

    The Belonging and Inclusion Station is a tournament resource designed to provide interpersonal support to participants who feel excluded from an aspect of the tournament. The BIS also safeguards against potential violations of the NSDA Harassment and Discrimination policy.

    NSDA Belonging and Inclusion Station

    What is the purpose of a Belonging and Inclusion Station?

    The BIS may serve as a resource for any student, coach, judge, or official participating at a tournament to seek interpersonal support or raise concerns an individual feels harassment and/or discrimination has occurred.

      • An individual makes inappropriate remarks or jokes about traditionally marginalized groups.
      • A really powerful speech (that violated no rules) triggers emotions in a contestant or judge and they need space to process their feelings.

    Learn more about our purpose »

    Want to implement a Belonging and Inclusion Station at your next tournament? We have all of the information you need!

    Find answers to your questions, helpful resources, and more with the BIS Development and Implementation Guide.

    Tips for Intervention & Support
    BIS Guide

    BIS Info Session

    Last year was our first year offering the Belonging and Inclusion Station infrastructure. Many of you gave us feedback, and we acted!

    Check out the BIS Info Session to learn how to implement a station at your next tournament. Dr. Paul Porter, NSDA’s Director of DEI, and Kara Smith, NSDA’s Manager of Competition and Events, discuss the purpose of the BIS, changes to the BIS structure, 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

    • The Belonging and Inclusion Advocate (formerly known as Equity Officer) serves as the primary contact for anyone at a tournament with a harassment/discrimination concern or in need of interpersonal support.
    • Ideally, your BIAs will not be judges, tournament directors, tab staff, etc. However, if that is not possible, be prepared to work around the possibility that your BIA may be asked to perform other duties at the tournament.
    • In choosing the Belonging and Inclusion Advocate, try and include individuals with several of the below qualifications or characteristics:
      • Committed to a safe and equitable environment
      • Excellent interpersonal communication skills (e.g., listening, empathy, etc.)
      • Skilled at deescalation
      • Multicultural competence »
      • Trained on harassment and discrimination, especially in the context of adolescent school environments
      • Prior experience working with K-12 students and educators and/or with counseling or trauma-informed teaching practices
      • Understanding and experience with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

    Did You Know?

    If you would like to have a BIA, but do not have a person to serve in this role, the NSDA will offer training sessions throughout the year for any person interested in becoming a BIA. All BIAs at NSDA-sponsored events must complete the virtual BIA training.

    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.

    BIAS

    A conscious or unconscious tendency or inclination that results in judgment without question.

    CONCERNED PERSON

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

    EQUITY

    Shared commitment to operational processes, practices and spaces that affirm identity, promote inclusion, and ensure the conditions of fairness in our organization. 

    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.

    IMPLICIT/UNCONSCIOUS BIAS

    Mental associations made without awareness, intention or control  

    ACCESSIBILITY

    The degree to which a product, device, service, environment, or facility is usable by as many people as possible, including by persons with disabilities.

    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.

    Intake Process

    Note: This section outlines the process for intake, inquiry, and resolution used for the BIS at NSDA district and national tournaments. Other tournaments are encouraged to adopt or adjust this model to suit their needs. Please refer to your school district administration regarding appropriate actions in response to harassment and discrimination violations.

    The following process will be employed whenever a concerned person visits 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

    It is always our hope that concerns brought to the BIS can be addressed with healing and teaching FIRST. The intake process, specifically the resolution and appeal steps, should be utilized when behavior warrants action beyond education and dialogue. 

    Inquiry

    Upon receipt of a written concern, the BIA will gather information about the incident. They will speak with the concerned person and their supervising adult, as well as any available witnesses. If applicable, the BIA will conduct meetings with the subject of concern separately and privately.

    Note: If the violation is made by the tournament director, the concerned person should contact NSDA staff, who would then identify someone from the tournament committee (from an unaffiliated school) to run the inquiry.

    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 (e.g., of a racist, sexist, homophobic, etc., nature) 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 written warning from NSDA Director of DEI to subject of concern’s guardian and/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

    Should the subject of concern disagree with the proposed course of action, they may request an appeal. 

    • If the appeal involves a decision made prior to the NSDA tournament, the appeal must be communicated to the NSDA national office in writing (including virtually) promptly. The NSDA will render a decision within a reasonable time frame. 
    • If the appeal involves a decision made during the NSDA tournament, the appeal must be communicated to the NSDA national office in writing (including virtually) promptly. The NSDA will render a decision within a reasonable time frame. 

    Note: The NSDA’s decision shall be final. Any reported behavior taking place prior to the NSDA tournament will be considered should additional complaints be received about the respondent at the NSDA tournament. 

    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 wonderful resource for someone with a concern who just needs to be heard. It’s more of a space for interpersonal support than somewhere to get people in trouble. 

    What do I do if I’ve been harassed or discriminated against at the tournament?

    • You should tell an adult immediately – either your coach, a parent, or the tournament office. If you decide (or are encouraged) to go to the BIS, you should let the Belonging and Inclusion Advocate know that you have a concern and tell them the nature of the concern.

    What happens when I fill out an intake form?

    • The Belonging and Inclusion Advocate will collect information from you and anyone else involved in the event(s) that caused you to raise a concern. The BIA will work to make sure that you feel heard and supported as well. After hearing from all involved people, the BIA will decide if the concern can be addressed with a teaching moment or if corrective action is necessary. 

    If something happened to me at a tournament two weeks ago, can I come to the BIS and raise a concern about that event?

    • In instances like this, it is recommended that you talk to your coach, parent, or supervising adult. The BIS is in place to handle concerns at that particular tournament. 

    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?

    Incidents like that should be handled by the coaches and/or supervising adults of the schools involved.

    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.
    Where do I go for a rule violation that is diversity-related?

    Any concerns regarding violation of competitive rules should be directed to the tournament tab staff or tournament office. Should any rules violations also contain DEI elements or potential violations of the harassment/discrimination policy, the tournament office, and the Belonging and Inclusion Advocate will work in tandem to address the appropriate elements.