North American debaters clash at championship held in Windsor

University of Windsor’s Odette School of Business and SEED Debate Academy hosted the North American Debate Championships on Jan. 19, 2025. (Robert Lothian/CTV News Windsor)

Students from some of North America’s most prestigious post-secondary institutions flexed their skills at the North American Debating Championships in Windsor.

Participants from schools such as Harvard, Stanford, and Yale participated in the two-day competition at the University of Windsor’s Odette School of Business and SEED Debate Academy.

President of the school’s debate club Natalie George spent the weekend in roles as debater, judge, and tournament director.

“It is the first time it’s ever been held in Windsor. It’s our first university-level debate tournament,” George said.

Debate topics are decided by a team of adjudicators, who generate 20 subjects for students to speak on.

“So participants get to pick their speech timings and format. It’s still a two-V-two debate with two person teams, but they have around seven or six-minute speeches,” George said.

After the speech, the other team will then have an opportunity to respond.

In addition to American representatives, many of Canada’s top schools were represented in the 75-team tournament.

While the competition is a test of debating skills, George said it also creates an opportunity to share alternative theories and approaches to topical issues.

“You’re solving and advocating for relevant issues,” George said. “We had a lot of things about the Windsor-Essex and Detroit area, and it’s really cool to hear the solutions that people come up with and hear them defend and advocate for strategies.”

As a border city, Goerge said Windsor is the “perfect place” to welcome Canadian and American debaters.

“I don’t think there’s any greater joy than bringing all these people to Windsor,” she said.