Statement of Inclusion
The NFA embraces human diversity as a core value. We express this value best in the inclusion and affirmation of the various identity groups to which our members and participants belong. This commitment to inclusiveness embraces identities and social roles that arise from but are not limited to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, religion, or ability status. We affirm and uphold the right to basic human dignity and respect across these diverse forms of human expression. Participation in NFA events is by invitation. As such, NFA is firmly committed to maintaining an environment that is free from acts that are inconsistent with the inclusiveness it seeks to foster. When actions deemed contrary to this core value are reported to the Tournament Director, the behavior will be investigated promptly, and appropriate remedial actions will be taken.
The NFA embraces human diversity as a core value. We express this value best in the inclusion and affirmation of the various identity groups to which our members and participants belong. This commitment to inclusiveness embraces identities and social roles that arise from but are not limited to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, religion, or ability status. We affirm and uphold the right to basic human dignity and respect across these diverse forms of human expression. Participation in NFA events is by invitation. As such, NFA is firmly committed to maintaining an environment that is free from acts that are inconsistent with the inclusiveness it seeks to foster. When actions deemed contrary to this core value are reported to the Tournament Director, the behavior will be investigated promptly, and appropriate remedial actions will be taken.
Judging Behavior
a. Judges should not threaten students.
b. Judges must pick up their ballots in a timely manner.
c. Judges that start a round, should finish judging a round.
d. Judges affiliated with a program should not judge students also affiliated with their program.
e. The National Forensics Association is a community based on inclusion and therefore judges shall not include in oral critiques or on ballots any comments which alienates, marginalizes, attacks, threatens, or insults a person or group on the basis of national origin, ethnicity, color, religion,
gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability.
a. Judges should not threaten students.
b. Judges must pick up their ballots in a timely manner.
c. Judges that start a round, should finish judging a round.
d. Judges affiliated with a program should not judge students also affiliated with their program.
e. The National Forensics Association is a community based on inclusion and therefore judges shall not include in oral critiques or on ballots any comments which alienates, marginalizes, attacks, threatens, or insults a person or group on the basis of national origin, ethnicity, color, religion,
gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability.
Open Door Policy
The NFA is committed to providing safe performance spaces for all competitors. We acknowledge the art of performance may be a healing process and/or opportunity to speak on important issues. As a performer, it is impossible to know all the ways in which content or a performance may unintentionally harm our peers. To better serve our competitors, the NFA is implementing an open door practice in rounds at the National
Tournament. Meaning, competitors may choose when they feel comfortable being present in the room, which includes choosing only to be present in the room when performing. Competitors may discretely leave, even when not double-entered without question or penalty. This policy will be communicated to each judge at the national tournament.
The NFA is committed to providing safe performance spaces for all competitors. We acknowledge the art of performance may be a healing process and/or opportunity to speak on important issues. As a performer, it is impossible to know all the ways in which content or a performance may unintentionally harm our peers. To better serve our competitors, the NFA is implementing an open door practice in rounds at the National
Tournament. Meaning, competitors may choose when they feel comfortable being present in the room, which includes choosing only to be present in the room when performing. Competitors may discretely leave, even when not double-entered without question or penalty. This policy will be communicated to each judge at the national tournament.
Title IX Reference Guide and Accommodation Based on Harassment or Misconduct
The NFA is fully-committed to a safe and healthy educational, work and competition environment that is free from unlawful discrimination and harassment. As such, NFA prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of sex, gender, sexual orientation, sexual identity, race, disability, religion and other lawfully protected categories. This prohibition includes sexual assault and misconduct, and stalking. If you have experienced an act
of discrimination, harassment or assault by a competitor, coach, or judge at an NFA qualifying/sanctioned tournament based on any of these protected categories, you are encouraged to report the matter to the appropriate persons. Although the NFA fully-supports the principles of non-discrimination based on sex (including gender, sexual orientation and identity) set forth in Title IX, the NFA itself does not have any Title IX investigatory or adjudicatory functions. Therefore, to initiate the Title IX investigation process, you are encouraged to report any
suspected Title IX violations. Additionally, the NFA will now provide an opportunity to request accommodation based on harassment or
misconduct to be taken into consideration while scheduling the national tournament. Furthermore, the NFA is committed to providing Title IX contact information for the host institution, and designated NFA staff to support students should an act of harassment or misconduct occur during the tournament.
The NFA is fully-committed to a safe and healthy educational, work and competition environment that is free from unlawful discrimination and harassment. As such, NFA prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of sex, gender, sexual orientation, sexual identity, race, disability, religion and other lawfully protected categories. This prohibition includes sexual assault and misconduct, and stalking. If you have experienced an act
of discrimination, harassment or assault by a competitor, coach, or judge at an NFA qualifying/sanctioned tournament based on any of these protected categories, you are encouraged to report the matter to the appropriate persons. Although the NFA fully-supports the principles of non-discrimination based on sex (including gender, sexual orientation and identity) set forth in Title IX, the NFA itself does not have any Title IX investigatory or adjudicatory functions. Therefore, to initiate the Title IX investigation process, you are encouraged to report any
suspected Title IX violations. Additionally, the NFA will now provide an opportunity to request accommodation based on harassment or
misconduct to be taken into consideration while scheduling the national tournament. Furthermore, the NFA is committed to providing Title IX contact information for the host institution, and designated NFA staff to support students should an act of harassment or misconduct occur during the tournament.
NFA CODE OF ETHICS
A. Believing strongly in the purpose of the National Forensic Association and its’ pillars of pedagogy, scholarship, and competition, member teams and individuals strive to uphold the following values:
1. Inclusivity – The National Forensic Association community believes we are stronger when we include all individuals with diverse experiences and stories.
2. Honesty – Our community believes in honestly presenting and performing work without the blight of plagiarism or misrepresentation.
3. Integrity – Our community works to uphold the highest ethical standards as stated in our organizational bylaws in order to create a society of fairness and pride.
4. Respect – Our community respects the voices and perspectives of other members within the community and works to create comradery within our diversity.
5. Education – Our community believes that by focusing on education as a pedagogy and a competitive practice, we can foster the growth of strong,civically minded citizens.
6. Involvement – Our community encourages involvement of students, alumni, coaches, and outside community members because many perspectives enrich the learning experience at our tournament.
A. Believing strongly in the purpose of the National Forensic Association and its’ pillars of pedagogy, scholarship, and competition, member teams and individuals strive to uphold the following values:
1. Inclusivity – The National Forensic Association community believes we are stronger when we include all individuals with diverse experiences and stories.
2. Honesty – Our community believes in honestly presenting and performing work without the blight of plagiarism or misrepresentation.
3. Integrity – Our community works to uphold the highest ethical standards as stated in our organizational bylaws in order to create a society of fairness and pride.
4. Respect – Our community respects the voices and perspectives of other members within the community and works to create comradery within our diversity.
5. Education – Our community believes that by focusing on education as a pedagogy and a competitive practice, we can foster the growth of strong,civically minded citizens.
6. Involvement – Our community encourages involvement of students, alumni, coaches, and outside community members because many perspectives enrich the learning experience at our tournament.