What we do

The Minnesota Urban Debate League serves young people in Minneapolis and St. Paul through academic competitive debate. Each year the National Forensic League chooses a policy topic that debaters affirm (propose a policy to solve a problem) as well as negate (show why that policy won’t solve the problem, will make things worse, or will cause other problems if enacted).

During the 2012-2013 school year, the topic is federal transportation infrastructure investment policy. Students must research, analyze, and defend different policy options, and in the process increase their critical thinking, reading comprehension and public speaking skills. Students compete against other schools throughout the region at weekend debate tournaments held during the school year.

For current debaters, parents and MNDUL alumni, please visit our very own MNUDL wiki for more information about this year’s debate topic!