The Texas Southern University Debate Team won the 35th Annual International Forensic Association’s Speech and Debate Tournament held March 7-9 in Incheon, South Korea. The historically Black university was one of 27 teams to compete in the tournament.
Founded over seven decades ago by Dr. Thomas Freeman, the Debate Team provides students a platform for forensic arts, including parliamentary debate, Lincoln Douglas Debate, persuasive oratory, informative speaking, after dinner speaking, poetry, prose, dramatic and duo dramatic interpretation, impromptu and extemporaneous speaking, and Reader’s Theater.
At their most recent competition, the Debate Team won not only the overall sweepstakes award, but 21 additional awards in sub-competitions, including first place prizes in poetry, dramatic interpretation, and duo dramatic interpretation. This win marks the team’s fifth International Forensic Association championship.
“Our team has worked tirelessly honing their skills as debaters while representing Texas Southern on the grandest of stages,” said head debate coach and adjunct professor Dr. Gloria Batiste-Roberts. “This championship reflects the dedication we see daily. I could not be prouder of this accomplishment for this group of scholars, and for our university. It is a true embodiment of excellence in achievement.”
