MEMBER RESOURCES COMPETITION EVENTS
Resource Roundup
T
he National
publication guidelines to
can invalidate, disrespect,
students. Some of the work
Speech & Debate
use the singular “they”
or threaten the safety of
we have done to better
Association
pronoun. While making
that person. This creates
understand what dress codes
Coaches’ Caucuses have
changes internally is critical,
an inhospitable classroom
should be like comes from
indicated that we could
our organization also strives
and tournament space
the article “Decoding School
offer our community more
to set standards for the
both in terms of social
Dress Codes” which can be
information on how to
community.
interaction and competitive
found here: https://goo.gl/
be inclusive of the LGBT+
success.
7nLNXd. Please join us in
community. Below we
is a crucial step for making
This guide is a starting
our commitment to make
preview three new guides
the speech and debate
point and is not intended
speech and debate a safer
available online at
community safer and more
to be the only resource
space by updating your team
www.speechanddebate.org/
inclusive. Pronouns are how
consulted. Best practices are
handbook with this dress
resources. Thank you to
we identify others in our
constantly evolving and
code template.
our members of the LGBT+
daily communication, and
require further research,
Coaches’ Caucus and other
they are often associated
examination, and reflection.
community members for
with the gender of the
significant contributions in
person we are referring to,
developing these resources,
e.g., “she,” “her,” “he,” “his.”
with special thanks to Jessica
An individual’s biological
Kurr, Crawford Leavoy, and
sex assigned at birth does
E. Cram.
not determine their gender.
Best Practices for Pronoun Use
Correct pronoun usage
Team Handbook Dress Code Template
Gender Neutral Bathroom Best Practices Starting in 2016, the NSDA began marking gender neutral
However, it is common
Traditionally, dress codes
restrooms for attendees of
that we use pronouns to
prescribe acceptable clothing
the National Tournament.
describe a person based on
options for “men” and
Based on feedback from
their outward appearance
other options for “women.”
Coaches’ Caucuses in 2016
or perceived gender. It is
Some elements of dress
and 2017, this guide suggests
As the NSDA works to be a
important to take a more
codes may also be rooted
best practices for designating
more inclusive organization,
conscious approach to
in and reinforce problematic
gender neutral bathrooms
we have taken steps to
the way that we identify
societal norms in race, class,
at speech and debate
use pronouns in a more
others’ genders in our daily
ability, etc. Additionally,
tournaments to better meet
responsible manner. For
conversation. Mistaking a
common dress codes enforce
the needs of attendees and
instance, we have updated
person’s gender by using
a standard of dress that
create a more meaningful,
our Code of Honor and
the incorrect pronouns
might not be feasible for all
inclusive space.
Have feedback or more ideas? Email us at info@speechanddebate.org.
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ROSTRUM | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
www.speechanddebate.org/resources (use the “inclusion” filter to the left of the screen)