Binghamton University Makes History as the First New York School to Win the National Debate Tournament!

April 8, 2025, marked a significant milestone for Binghamton University’s Speech and Debate team. They made history by winning the 79^th National Debate Tournament (NDT), becoming the first New York-based university to claim this prestigious title. The victory was sealed with a close 3-2 decision against the University of Kansas.

This win follows a strong performance the previous year when Binghamton also triumphed at the Cross-Examination Debate Association (CEDA) Nationals. Joe Schatz, director of the program, highlighted the commitment and effort of the students, many of whom come from diverse backgrounds. “This win proves that talent isn’t always tied to scholarships or previous experience in debate. It shows there’s potential everywhere,” he said.

Schatz explained that while CEDA Nationals has a more welcoming vibe, the NDT is known for its fierce competition. Qualifying alone is a challenge, and only a select number of teams can compete. Binghamton first entered the NDT in 2005, and the tournament was hosted at Gonzaga University that year, just as it was this year.

“Competing against the best teams means we have to give it our all. Teams often invest many hours into preparation,” Schatz noted. Binghamton’s top performers, like Eli Turner-Louis and Jeremiah Cohn, dedicated up to 40 hours weekly to research and practice. This commitment really sets high performers apart.

This year’s debate focused on decarbonizing the U.S. using market-based approaches. The negative stance taken by Binghamton offered a unique twist, emphasizing personal narratives rather than traditional evidence. Turner-Louis explained her strategy: “Using real-life experiences can make arguments more relatable and impactful.” In the final debate, they argued against Kansas’s luxury tax approach, skillfully navigating between the objective and subjective aspects of the topic.

Turner-Louis, who has a keen interest in race, gender, and social justice, started her debate journey in high school. After briefly stepping away from the sport, she transferred to Binghamton, lured by its affordability and potential for growth. “I want Binghamton to be as respected as private universities,” she said, emphasizing her mission to make debate accessible to students from underrepresented backgrounds.

Her journey has already led to graduate assistant offers to coach at universities, continuing her passion for mentoring. She actively helps novice debaters and even coaches a high school team that recently won a tournament at Harvard. “Seeing students grow is incredibly rewarding. I want them to realize that they too can succeed,” she added.

The NDT victory is more than just a trophy for Binghamton; it represents significant progress in promoting inclusivity and diversity in the debate community. As debate continues to evolve, teams like Binghamton’s are breaking barriers, proving that dedication and innovation can yield remarkable results.

For more insights on the historical context of academic debate, you can refer to the National Debate Tournament’s official site for details on past performances and trends.

Source link