We were proud to be part of the Urban Debate National Championship at Harvard University this year — supporting NYCUDL debaters competing in the tournament while also helping lead conversations about expanding access to debate nationwide.
At the invitation of the National Association of Urban Debate Leagues, Amisha Mody Mehta (NYCUDL CEO) and Max Kornfeld (Program Associate) presented to coaches from across the country on how and why to incorporate Public Forum (PF) debate into UDL programming.
The session focused on the idea that PF builds the same critical thinking, research, and advocacy skills as policy debate, while offering a more accessible structure that allows more students to participate.
The response was exciting! What began as a 90-minute session turned into a 3.5-hour conversation, with coaches eager to explore how PF could complement policy in their own leagues and potentially in future national championships.
A highlight of the session was a live demo round from four of our Dream Team debaters — Katherine, Mariah, Ingrid, and Madison— who delivered a thoughtful, high-level debate on the national housing topic and shared their perspectives with coaches from across the country.
We are proud to help shape the future of urban debate— and excited about what’s ahead!