Why Debate?
Debate's long history in pedagogical method, the training of democratic citizenship and the critical assessment of a proposition all contribute to the mission of the debate program at the University of Richmond. The debate program provides an arena for students to improve and implement their research skills, critical thinking and public speaking. The debate program enhances students' skills in policy construction, argumentation and advocacy. Toward these ends, we strive to compete at the highest levels of national competition while continuing to exercise an "open door" policy for students with little or no debate experience.
The goals of the program seek to enhance the diversity of opinion and the argumentative spirit of its members as well as the broader community, to build bridges and establish connections with other departments and programs at the University based on debate and to work toward meaningful community outreach programs and service learning opportunities involving debate. The debate team is dedicated to assisting other debate programs in the region, both high school and collegiate, to reach similar goals and increase participation in debate for all age groups. Its work and accomplishments over the last several years have established the University of Richmond Debate Team as one of the most rigorous and successful programs in the country on all levels of competition.
