POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — Vassar College will host the American Parliamentary Debate Association's National Championship Tournament on Friday, April 20, through Sunday, April 22. This event is free and open to the public.
This competition will feature the most competitive rounds of parliamentary debate in the country. Each round will pit two individuals on the affirmative side against two individuals on the negative side. They will debate an issue determined by the affirmative team before the round, without the opposition team's prior knowledge.
A number of prestigious institutions will send debate teams to the tournament, including the entire Ivy League, as well as Stanford University, Duke University, the University of Virginia, the University of Chicago, Williams College, Amherst College, West Point, and nearly two dozen others.
To ensure impartiality, the host team, Vassar's Debate Society, will not compete in this year's national championships. Last year, however, the Vassar team performed quite well, finishing in the nation's top quartile.
The tournament will begin on Friday, April 20 in Blodgett Hall, Room 29 at 3:00 p.m. and last until midnight. On Saturday, April 21, it will resume from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., in Blodgett Hall, Room 105, and will conclude on Sunday, April 22.
The American Parliamentary Debate Association (APDA) includes more than 50 member schools and hundreds of debaters. Founded in 1981, APDA united multiple debate organizations, establishing an organized, national league for debate. APDA hosted its first National Championship in 1982, and the league has grown in size each successive year. On February 11, 2000, APDA reached an important milestone, when it became APDA Incorporated, a tax-exempt non-profit organization. For more information about APDA, visit http://www.apdaweb.org.
Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations at Vassar should contact the Office of Campus Activities at (845) 437-5370.
Vassar College is a highly selective, coeducational, independent, residential, liberal arts college founded in 1861.
Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations or information on accessibility should contact Campus Activities Office at (845) 437-5370. Without sufficient notice, appropriate space and/or assistance may not be available.
Vassar College is a highly selective, coeducational, independent, residential liberal arts college founded in 1861.
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