Sexual Harassment of LGBT+ Students in Intercollegiate Speech and Debate

Recent controversies surrounding Title IX have intensified conversations about sexual harassment in university setting(s). Even though sexual harassment has captured political attention, little Communication research exists on how Title IX influences and impacts sexual harassment and assault within the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer) community. There is a dearth of research regarding same-sex sexual harassment in the collegiate speech and debate community. Previous research has explored heterosexual harassment in competitive Speech and Debate; however, same-sex interactions have not received the same level of scrutiny. By extending the work of Pamela Stepp on sexual harassment within the CEDA (Cross Examination Debate Association) community, a more nuanced picture of sexual harassment inside extracurricular university activities can be expanded. Participants will be students from multiple speech and debate programs. Using a version of the Sexual Experience Questionnaire utilized and modified by Stepp and, altered for LGBTQ participants, the conversations related to sexual harassment can be examined