Speech and Debate Season Canceled Following Drug and Alcohol Use Investigation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 26, 2006
Joe Wills
530-898-4143
Speech and Debate Season Canceled Following Drug and Alcohol Use Investigation
California State University, Chico has canceled its fall 2006 season competing in forensics - often called speech and debate - based on an investigation into drug and alcohol use by some of the team members.
CSU, Chico's intercollegiate forensics program includes a debate team and an individual events (such as persuasive and extemporaneous speaking) team. Each competes in roughly six tournaments during a semester. The program is sponsored by the Department of Communication Arts and Sciences.
The chair of the department, Ruth Guzley, heard an allegation about possible drug and alcohol use among team members in early May and notified the Office of Student Judicial Affairs. The subsequent investigation has uncovered use of marijuana and cocaine by some team members before and after tournaments over the past academic year. In addition, alcohol and illegal drugs were reportedly used by some team members at regular gatherings off-campus.
While Student Judicial Affairs' investigation is continuing, at this time it is believed that approximately one-quarter of the 20 team members used alcohol and drugs during the spring 2006 semester, with several additional team members also using alcohol and drugs in the fall 2005 semester. The majority of other team members reportedly knew about the use or attended the gatherings where drugs and alcohol were present.
After a briefing by Student Judicial Affairs, Phyllis Fernlund, dean of the College of Communication and Education, suspended all competitive activities in forensics and canceled team participation in any tournaments during the fall 2006 term. The decision has the full support of Guzley, forensics director Christopher Howerton, President Paul Zingg, and Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Scott McNall.
"Our message is unequivocal - this behavior will not be tolerated, no matter what type of student organization or activity it is," said McNall. He stressed that the University's response was consistent with actions taken with other student teams and organizations, and reflects the high expectations the University has regarding student conduct.
"Drug and alcohol use by these student team members is absolutely unacceptable, and shows poor judgment on their part as representatives of the University," said Fernlund. "We will not resume our forensics program until we are certain this will not be repeated."
"It saddens me deeply to learn of the terribly misguided choices that these students have made," said Howerton. "This program has a rich history of excellence and I will do everything possible to ensure that this tradition continues as we promote the standards of the University."
CSU, Chico's forensics program has long been recognized for qualifying students for the American Forensics Association National Individual Events Tournament and the Cross Examination Debate Association's National Tournament. Approximately 10 CSU, Chico students over the past decade have reached All-American status in debate or individual events.
Jim Moon, vice president for Student Affairs, said Student Judicial Affairs is currently determining what disciplinary sanctions are appropriate for the students involved. The sanctions, which are confidential, are likely to include disciplinary probation and suspension from school, he said.
Fernlund said the college is instituting a set of new rules for membership on the forensics team and participation in tournaments. Among the changes are stricter limits on who can compete in tournaments. Mandatory interviews and auditions and a higher grade point average will be required before students can participate.
Fernlund said forensics courses will still be offered next fall in the communication arts and sciences department, and students signing up will be able to practice debate and public speaking in class.
###