About HDC
The Harvard Debate Council
The Harvard Debate Council is a student organization at Harvard College directed by Dr. Tripp Rebrovick.
Speech and Debate societies have been present at Harvard for hundreds of years, and we date the HDC’s establishment to 1892 when the first intercollegiate debate with Yale was held.
Today, the mission of the Harvard Debate Council is to field competitively successful teams at the National Debate Tournament; to host premier, internationally recognized tournaments and workshops; and to serve as an ambassador and promoter of debate at Harvard, in the United States, and around the world.
Education
Beyond these palpable achievements is a deeper contribution that the debate team makes to its members and to Harvard. Debating at Harvard is one of the most intellectually rigorous and rewarding experiences that the University can offer. Generations of debaters have honed their intellectual and rhetorical skills at Harvard, and have gone on to careers of success, service, and national and international prominence.
The challenge of public speaking builds sound judgment, self-confidence, and the capacity to make quick decisions under pressure. Having to debate both sides of a question develops mental agility and the ability to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of any position. Debating topics of national public policy demands thorough research, investigative acuity, and a broad base of understanding. Debating with a partner, guided by a coach, teaches adaptability and effective teamwork. All these skills stay with us our entire lives and make invaluable — even essential — contributions to our personal and professional successes.
Public Debate
In addition to regular tournament competition, Harvard Debate is committed to the promotion of debate as an important part of of our civic and political discourse. As such, Harvard participates in local events like the annual Beanpot Debates in Boston, held in conjunction with the Beanpot Hockey Tournament. On a more national scale, Harvard debaters have been asked to participate in a series of debates hosted by the Environmental Protection Agency on the efficacy of federal and state environmental regulations.