Purpose
The purpose of this By-Law is to give effect to the principle that WUPID participants should have an opportunity equal with other individuals to have their needs accommodated, consistent with their duties and obligations as participants in WUPID, without being hindered in or prevented from doing so by discriminatory practices based on race, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, or disability, and to be free from harassment and intimidation in the performance of these duties and obligations.
Prohibited Grounds of Discrimination or Harassment
All participants at WUPID will not engage in any behavior that will undermine or attack the goals and purposes of WUPID including, but not limited to:
- Use offensive language or behavior;
- Make denigrating comments on the basis of race, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, or disability;
- Harass, threaten, assault or intimidate other participants; or
- Damage or destroy any property that does not belong to them.
Complaints and Equity Officer
WUPID shall appoint a Complaints and Equity Officer to investigate any complaints, including those listed above.
WUPID shall outline the procedure for investigating and resolving complaints made to the Complaints and Equity Officer prior to the tournament’s commencement.
All procedures for investigating and resolving complaints must include the following:
- Process for the making of anonymous complaints;
- Process for the accused persons or persons to make a written statement responding to the allegation against him or her;
- Process for determining whether has there been any violation;
- Process for determining the appropriate punishment in the event of a violation
- Process for informing all affected parties; and
- Process for determining whether the Board of Directors should review the complaint.
The procedure for investigating and resolving complaints must be publicized prior to the commencement of the tournament.
The WUPID Management Committee shall receive training and assistance for the investigation and resolution of complaints.
The duties of the Complaints and Equity Officers include, but are not limited to:
- Being aware of all resources of the security provisions of the institution at which the tournament is hosted;
- Being visible and available for the duration of the tournament, including attendance at social events;
- Acting in a responsible manner and be prepared to deal with any eventuality at all times;
- Investigating all complaints; and
- Issuing a report at the close of the tournament.
Procedure for Review on Request of the Complaints and Equity Officer
All requests for review by the participants of WUPID must be in a written form to the Complaints and Equity Officer.
Upon a two-thirds majority vote from the Advisory Panel and Adjudication Fellow, WUPID may make an order against the person found to have engaged in the prohibited practice and include in the order any one or more of the following terms that the Championship considers appropriate:
- Written order reprimanding the person for their conduct;
- Oral order reprimanding the person for their conduct;
- Order that the person apologize to the complainant for their conduct; or
- Order prohibiting the person from participating in WUPID for a period no less than one year and no more than four years.
Definitions
In this By-law,
Harassment is defined as engaging in a course of vexatious comment or conduct that is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome.
Participant is defined as a debater, adjudicator, observer, or individual involved in the organization of the tournament.
