Rutgers-Newark–where debate team members have ranked nationally and internationally for more than a decade–hosted a national tournament where participants argued the merits of a U.S. clean energy policy.
As hosts of the The Cross Examination Debate Association (CEDA) annual tournament, Rutgers-Newark didn't compete. But organizers say the association’s decision to hold the event on campus is a reflection of the team’s reputation in the world of collegiate debate.
Housed with the Rutgers-Newark School of Public Affairs and Administration (SPAA), the tournament, where 35 colleges competed, was not only a showcase for competitors’ rhetorical skill but the value of debate as a tool for civic engagement, said SPAA Dean Kaifeng Yang.
“A lot of topics they are debating are public policy issues and it is very closely aligned with our interest and the mission of the school,” said Yang. “Debate represents democracy in its best form and helps answer the question of how you fight against misinformation.”
Introductory speakers at the tournament included Rutgers-Newark Interim Chancellor Jeffrey Robinson and Roget León, Superintendent, Newark Public Schools. The Rutgers-Newark debate team partners with city schools through the Newark Debate Academy (NDA), mentoring and educating students from grade school through high school.
The Rutgers-Newark team, which is open to students in all schools on campus, has won six national and one international championship since it began in 2008. Last year, it competed at an international tournament in South Korea where two team members scored in the top 20.
Although the team didn't compete, the tournament was open to city residents as spectators and was a way to highlight Newark’s cultural life and its relationship with the university.
“It shows that not only is Rutgers-Newark able to host national events, but we can do it in a way that’s hospitable,” said Willie Johnson, the team’s interim director. “Our history shows that we’re great hosts.’’
He added, “The larger scheme of collegiate debate is producing events that draw in community and draw in our high school students.’’
