TL;DR & Scope
Equity is a core value of APDA - and of PDU. Debate can be fast, competitive, and emotionally charged. Our goal is a space where everyone can challenge ideas without harming people. This policy applies to meetings, scrims, tournaments, travel, socials, and all online team spaces.
Principles
- Respect first. Debate ideas, not identities.
- Safety over spectacle. No case or tactic is worth making someone feel targeted or unsafe.
- Accountability. We correct mistakes, learn, and do better next time.
Non-Discrimination
Discrimination or harassment based on identity or status is prohibited. That includes slurs, coded language, demeaning stereotypes, or arguments that justify harm against a person or group.
Examples (not exhaustive):
- Not allowed: “X group is inherently dishonest,” “Women are less rational,” “Deportation is justified because [group] is dangerous.”
- Allowed (with care): Policy arguments supported by evidence that do not target identities (e.g., “This proposal increases harm to undocumented communities because…”).
Generalizations in Arguments
Avoid blanket claims about groups. Use precise, reasoned analysis.
- Not allowed: “People on welfare are lazy.”
- Stronger approach: “This policy may reduce work incentives because [mechanism/evidence], which affects labor supply.”
Sportsmanship & Conduct
Intimidation, insults, condescension, mocking accents, misgendering, or hostile behavior toward debaters or judges is not allowed - during or after rounds, in halls, group chats, or social events.
- Not allowed: Personal attacks (“You’re stupid”), sarcastic belittling of a speaker, repeated mispronouncing of a name after correction.
- Expected: Firm clash on arguments, respectful tone, correct names and pronouns.
Tournament Equity
Each tournament announces its Equity Policy and the Equity Team at opening assembly. Follow host rules for reporting and resolution. If in doubt, ask the Equity Team or a PDU officer - immediately.
PDU Reporting & Support
PDU has an Equity Officer (see Leadership →) who:
- Receives confidential reports,
- Mediates disputes and team culture concerns,
- Coordinates with tournament Equity if needed.
How to report
- Speak to the Equity Officer or any board member (in person or via message).
- Use the reporting channel provided in the Tournament Information Document (TID) when traveling.
- Prefer an online form? (We can add a club Google Form link here.)
No retaliation: Retaliation for a good-faith report is itself a violation and will be addressed.
Equity in Rounds: Content Warnings & Opt-Outs
Before the case is read, the Government must give a brief content warning if topics may be sensitive (e.g., sexual violence, suicide, self-harm, child abuse, hate crimes, graphic violence). When unsure, include the warning.
- Opt-out: If any debater or the judge opts out, Gov must present an alternative case and motion. No penalty for opting out. Keep it quick, professional, and move on.
- During round: If a concern arises, pause and state it clearly. Judges may consult Equity per host policy.
Judging
Judges safeguard equity in every round. Ballots must reflect the arguments made - not a speaker’s identity, style, or reputation.
- Evaluate only comparative analysis presented in round.
- Intervene on equity breaches: pause the round and clarify concerns.
- Contact the tournament’s Equity team or PDU leadership if violations occur.
Consequences
Violations may result in:
- Informal coaching or a corrective conversation.
- Formal warning and documentation with PDU and, if applicable, tournament Equity.
- Competitive remedies (e.g., loss of speaker eligibility for an event, removal from a round, or disqualification per host rules).
- Team remedies (e.g., suspension from practices/tournaments, loss of leadership eligibility, or membership termination). Serious cases may be referred to the host tournament, APDA authorities, or university offices.
Our Commitments
- Use names and pronouns correctly.
- Make reasonable accommodations (access needs, pacing, breaks).
- Pair thoughtfully and support newer members.
- Choose cases that challenge ideas without targeting identities.
Questions or concerns? Reach out to the Equity Officer or the Operations Director - earlier is better.