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Dear Phi Rho Pi Community/Colleagues,

We know it has been an overwhelming week, and in these moments, the Phi Rho Pi Executive Board wants to first share that our hearts go out to everyone in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic.

Over the past two weeks, the Executive Board has discussed the implications for this year’s National Tournament given the public health crisis. It is with a heavy heart that we must inform you that the 2020 National Tournament is canceled.

This has been a tough decision. After consultation with many of our counterpart national forensic organizations, we are in agreement that protecting the safety of students, coaches and faculty is the highest priority. Considering the recommendations of the CDC, to socially distance ourselves to avoid the spread of the COVID-19 it is clear that holding the tournament puts students, coaches, and judges in danger. We choose to take action to protect the health of everyone. There are no plans to reschedule or move the 2020 tournament.

We have been communicating with the tournament hotel to work through our rights as laid out in the contract. Today, the governor of New Mexico announced a ban on large gatherings. Together with the WHO's declaration of a global pandemic, this announcement allowed us to invoke the "Force Majeure" clause in our hotel agreement.

There are several organizational items we will need to work through including the scheduled 2020 elections, student eligibility for 2021, pre-paying dues for 2021, and Service Awards. We will share information about these items in the next few weeks.

You may recall that the theme of Phi Rho Pi 2020 was “Rise Up.” So, we shall. The Executive Board knows without a doubt that the students, judges and coaches of Phi Rho Pi will be able to put this theme into practice in 2021. Together, we shall rise above this unprecedented health crisis and be stronger for it.

If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to any of the Phi Rho Pi Officers.

Regards,
The Phi Rho Pi Executive Board
www.phirhopi.org

Phi Rho Pi Cancellation Document posted 3/13/20