2026 Christmas in the Ozarks

I.  Purpose

Stoa exists to equip homeschool students, through competitive speech and debate, to think critically, engage graciously, and speak boldly from a Biblical worldview. As such, Stoa members are expected to exhibit Christ-like character, striving to follow His example in word and deed.

II.  Affirmative Standards of Conduct

Every member must actively contribute to a positive and constructive environment by:

• Honoring Biblical Standards: Acting and speaking in a manner that is respectful of and consistent with the Stoa Statement of Faith and Stoa’s position on marriage and gender as expressed in the Nashville Statement.
• Modeling Respect: Treating all individuals (members, competitors, judges, and staff) with dignity and courtesy.
• Communicating with Integrity: Engaging in direct, honest, and gracious communication, especially when resolving conflicts or offering criticism.
• Acting with Integrity in Competition: Competing and judging honestly, adhering strictly to event rules, and reporting conflicts of interest immediately.
• Maintaining Safety: Prioritizing the health, safety, and physical or emotional well-being of oneself and others at all Stoa-related events.

III.  Prohibited Harmful and Disruptive Conduct

The following actions are considered harmful and disruptive and constitute violations of this Code. This Code applies both to Stoa in-person events and to all Stoa-related communications (including in-person, electronic, and online communications, regardless of the device or platform used).

• Physical or Verbal Threats: Engaging in conduct or communication that intimidates or threatens physical, emotional or reputational harm to any individual or group.
• Harassment: Directing unwelcome conduct (verbal, physical, or sexual) toward an individual, including repeated unwanted contact and inappropriate messages.
• Intimidation or Bullying: Using power dynamics, social exclusion, or persistent aggressive behavior to make another person feel afraid, distressed, or coerced. This includes disseminating embarrassing or inflammatory content.
• Spreading False or Damaging Information: Intentionally distributing gossip, false, or misleading information about an individual, a club, or the organization, including malicious conjecture, or statements intended to damage reputation.
• Cheating: Seeking or obtaining a competitive advantage through dishonest, illicit, or unethical means (e.g., rules violations, unauthorized sharing of information, tampering with materials).
• Theft or Vandalism: Stealing or intentionally damaging the property of another.
• Controlled Substances: Using illegal drugs or controlled substances not medically prescribed, in the context of any Stoa activity or event.
• Profane or Obscene Language, Gestures or Materials: Using language or gestures that are profane, indecent, or obscene, or possessing or distributing pornography or other inappropriate materials.
• Unsafe Conduct: Any behavior that endangers the health, safety, or well-being of oneself or others.

IV.  Administration and Enforcement

• Leadership Discretion: The interpretation and enforcement of this Code of Conduct is at the discretion of Stoa leadership. The focus of enforcement will be on actions and communication that directly disrupt events, violate the safety of the community, or are clearly contrary to the expressed affirmative standards.
• Disciplinary Actions: Violations may result in formal warning, probation, suspension, or expulsion from membership.
• Reporting: Members are to report observed violations to the Executive Director of Stoa to allow for timely and fair review. Additionally, any action that is reported to a Stoa member that poses a threat to other members must also be reported in a timely way.
• Notice of Changes: This Code may be amended at the discretion of Stoa, with timely notice provided for material revisions.