Harassment Policy

It is the policy of the University of Washington Debate Union that no participant shall suffer or cause discrimination or harassment during the course of, or in connection with, a University of Washington Debate Union event on the basis of any protected characteristic. Protected characteristics include age, color, religion, disability, race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran or reserve status, or any other basis prohibited by any applicable law, regulation, or ordinance. Specific threats of violence whether or not motivated in whole or in part by any protected characteristic, have no place whatsoever in academic debate. Bullying and intimidation, whether or not motivated in whole or in part by any protected characteristic, has no place whatsoever in academic debate.

In addition, our events are governed by:
-Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs and activities that receive federal funding.

-Chapter 49.60 of the RCW that is amended to prohibit discrimination on the basis of "sexual orientation." The term "sexual orientation" is defined to include "heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality, and gender expression or identity." The term "gender expression or identity" is in turn defined as "having or being perceived as having a gender identity, self-image, appearance, behavior, or expression, whether or not that gender identity, self-image, appearance, behavior, or expression is different from that traditionally associated with the sex assigned to that person at birth."

- WAC 478-120-024 that prohibits:

                -Abuse of others via physical assault or threat of assault.

-Abuse of the legal conduct process by falsification or coercing persons to not engage in the process.

-Discriminatory harassment that “could reasonably be expected to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment, or has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with a person's academic or work performance, or the person's ability to participate in or benefit from the university's programs, services, opportunities, or activities.”

- Disruption or obstruction includes intentionally and substantially obstructing or disrupting, through words or conduct, the teaching or learning environment of any university educational setting, or any university functions or activities.

Procedures

-If either party involved in a debate wishes to assert the other team has substantially violated this policy, they should bring their complaint to the judge’s attention. The debate round will be halted and not resumed.

-The judge will inform the head of tabulation and the director that the round has been halted.

-The Tournament Director or tournament host will hear the complaint, including discussing the matter with the most senior on-site member of each party’s institution. If either party is from the institution of the tournament director, the tournament director will appoint another person to hear the complaint.

-The tournament director will hear the complaint and determine what actions are necessary. Actions may include:

               -Awarding a bye win to one party and a forfeit loss to another party

                -Awarding a bye to both parties.

                -Awarding a forfeit loss to both parties.

                -Removal of one or both parties or a competitor from the tournament.

-Ordering that either or both parties cease all unnecessary interaction at the tournament. Such a request may include the coaches of one or both parties.

-A reporting of the incident to the CEDA Sexual Harassment officer.

-A reporting of the incident to appropriate legal authorities.

-              -If no determination is able to be made about fault, the result of the round will be the assignment of a bye and a forfeit loss on the basis of a coin flip.

                -Abuse of this policy via false complaint or attempts to coerce a party into not making a complaint will result in a forfeit loss for that party.

-The tournament director, if a UW faculty member, is mandatory reporter in regards to sexual abuse or harassment of a minor.