PEORIA -- Bradley University's speech team will be forced to give back one of its national trophies after breaking the rules of a competition.
The American Forensics Association (AFA) disqualified one of the Bradley team's speeches after they discovered a student edited a script, a violation of the organization's rules.
“We are disappointed by this turn of events, but we will comply with the AFA’s finding. We remain proud of our team for their hard work and perseverance," said Bradley University Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Walter Zakahi, an alumnus of the team.
The disqualification put Bradley two points behind Western Kentucky University. The AFA will present the university the trophy in the upcoming weeks.
Bradley University retains this year's National Forensics Association first place trophy. The team has won 42 team championships and more than 160 national championships - a national record.