Founded November 2020 by Isabel Mavrides-Calderon
Welcome tO DIVERSITY IN FORENSICS
We are a coalition of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) Speech and Debaters working towards bridging the gap in inequalities in forensics and making this activity more inclusive for all.
What We Do
Coaching
Access to coaching is one of the largest disparities in Speech and Debate. Diversity in forensics provides completly free peer coaching for speech participants and debaters. We currently have 60 coaches and have never turned a student in need of coaching or mentorship down.
Mutual Aid
Speech and Debate is one of the most expensive academic activities. Through Diversitiy in Forensics 1,000+ person community we offer fundraising for suits, hired judging, NSDA resource packages and tournament fees.
Community
At it's core DIversity in Forensics mission is to amplify the voices of those who are so often silenced in this community. Through our social media Diversity in Forensics allows all members of this community to send in anonymous or non anonymous submissions with their stories and lived experiences in this community. We have had people share stories about racism, sexism, name pronounciation, dead naming and so much more in forensics.
Sign up for our free coaching program
First step application: Become a Coach Application Form
The impact diversity in forensics makes on the community
"I love Diversity in Forensics because it gives me an opportunity to interact with different speech kids all around the United States! It gave me the opportunity to connect through a challenging pandemic and helped me make some insanely talented friends" - Caroline Hsu, 11th grade, The Village School, Texas
"Diversity in Forensics gives me the opportunity to not only connect with other people who share my interests but it fosters a community where everyone feels valued, no matter their accolades or status on the circuit"- Jillian Thomas, 10th Grade, Strath Haven High School, Pennsylvania
"Diversity in Forensics made me realize the true importance of forensics- community. I learned that the wins, the losses, the tiring tournaments, and the long hours in between rounds meant nothing without my team mates and the amazing people I met through this activity. In a time where forensics has transitioned to a virtual setting, Diversity in Forensics made speech and debate worth much more during the pandemic"- Noldine Belizaire, 11th grade, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Florida
"Diversity in Forensics helped me realize that I wasn't the only one who felt like the lost sheep in the speech and debate community. Seeing others talk about their experiences inspired me to use my voice to point out those differences for minority speakers"- Ryan Curran, 12th Grade, Archbishop Molloy Catholic High School, New York