The status of Whitman’s Global Studies Initiative in 2016-17 is uncertain after Interim Provost and Dean of the Faculty Pat Spencer officially announced on Oct. 21 that faculty would not receive course releases for participating in certain parts of the initiative during this time.

I do not know what the specific allegations against the team are, but I find the administration’s assertion of a blanket sexist culture against every experience I have had in debate.

The Whitman Debate team was suspended for a minimum of two years on April 9th, after an investigation by administration revealed violation of team and school policies. The investigation primarily focused on violations of alcohol protocol by debaters and coaches during a 2015 tournament. Allegations of gender discrimination and potentially unsafe situations occurring over the course of the season were also presented to investigators.