Brown Debating Union

EsT 1824.

The Brown Debating Union is no-cuts, which means that anyone who attends Brown University can become a general body member and compete at most tournaments along the East Coast. Certain competitions will have tryouts, including international tournaments. The only other internal requirements are to assist with the organising/judging at the Brown APDA tournament.
What you put in is what you get out! The BDU has weekly general body member (GBM) meetings, educational Novice Sessions, and regular practice. We also host socials and other activities including case-writing parties, White Elephant, mixers etc. Unless you are in preparation for a certain tournament, there is no strict requirement to make every meeting/practice but attendance is of course encouraged and helps with selection at particular tournaments.

The BDU predominantly competes in the American Parliamentary Debate Association (APDA) circuit which involves weekly competitions at various universities along the East Coast of the US. The season spans from late August until the National Championships in the last weekend of April. For more information see https://apda.online/
The BDU also semi-regularly attends British Parliamentary tournaments in the US and overseas. Notable tournaments include the Princeton IV, Yale IV, Hart House IV, Oxford IV, North American University Debate Championships (NAUDC), and World University Debating Championships (WUDC).

We have an extensive alumni network that have gone on to impressive careers, including many involving debate. Many play a role in coaching or advising our students, helping run tournaments, or otherwise being involved in practice rounds online or in-person.
At the core of our organisation, the BDU is committed to helping students adapt to new formats of debate, make friends and have insightful conversations, as well as find passion in the activity of debate. We’re always looking for feedback and to expand the opportunities for our general body members.