Student Code of Conduct
I. Preamble
The mission of Stoa speech and debate is to train homeschool students to speak boldly and change the world for Christ. To accomplish this, we train students to uphold a biblical worldview through their conduct as well as their speech.
As a Christ-centered organization dedicated to a biblical worldview, Stoa requires each student to affirm and abide by this Code of Conduct. A student’s commitment to and ongoing compliance with this Code of Conduct, as amended from time to time, is an essential condition of his or her membership and participation in Stoa.
II. Student Character, Speech, and Conduct
At all times, in both public and private, a student must exhibit Christ-like character, following His example in word and deed. While we do not expect a student to be perfect, we do expect that he or she will strive always to be like Christ in a spirit of truth and humility. As the Apostle Paul said, “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me” (Phil. 3:12). Accordingly, each student must:
- Advance Stoa’s mission and not act or speak in a way that undermines it.
- Understand and respect, and not act or speak inconsistently with, the Stoa Statement of Faith, which is available at https://stoausa.org/events/membership-registration/.
- Understand and respect, and not act or speak inconsistently with, Stoa’s position on marriage and gender, which consists of the “Nashville Statement” available at https://cbmw.org/nashville-statement.
- Submit to the civil authorities of our country and obey its laws, consistent with the commands of a biblically-informed conscience.
- Respect others in speech and actions. This means treating everyone with respect and submitting to those in authority over a student. A student’s speech—whether in person, in written communication, or on social media—must be decent, respectful, and Christ-honoring. Speech must never be profane, indecent, deceitful, abusive, or disrespectful of the Lord’s name.
- Commit to academic integrity and ethical behavior in all areas of competitive forensics.
III. Conduct at Stoa Tournaments or Other Events
Stoa tournaments and events are an opportunity for students to compete, connect, forge friendships, and deepen their faith. In order to build an edifying community and foster a Christ-centered environment at Stoa tournaments and events, each student must:
- Refrain from any use or possession of alcohol, tobacco, vaping and e-cigarettes, marijuana, pornography, and illegal drugs.
- Refrain from any behavior that, in the opinion of Stoa, endangers the health, safety, or well-being of oneself or others.
- Compete with integrity by being truthful, honorable, and complying with the rules of the competition.
- Adhere to the dress code.
IV. Administration and Enforcement
Any student found by Stoa to be in violation of this Code of Conduct will be subject to discipline. Such discipline may include, but is not limited to: (i) formal or informal correction, (ii) conditions upon participation in Stoa tournaments and other events, (iii) conditions upon Stoa membership, (iv) probation or suspension from participation or membership, and/or (v) expulsion from participation or membership.
The interpretation, application, and enforcement of this Code of Conduct is solely within the discretion of Stoa, and no person shall be considered a third-party beneficiary or acquire any rights under this document. Stoa is committed to administering the Code of Conduct fairly and in a manner consistent with its identity and convictions as a Christian organization.
This Code of Conduct may be amended from time to time at the discretion of Stoa and its leadership. Stoa will endeavor to provide timely notice to students and parents of any material revisions.