If you are interested in joining the Debate Team, just come to one of our meetings! Meetings are held every Monday and Thursday at 5 p.m. in Stern 103. Contact Daniel Schonning at schonning@hws.edu for more information.
HWS Debate Team
HWS Debate has built a reputation as one of the strongest programs in the world. We don’t just compete with the nation’s most established programs - we beat them. Victories over global powerhouses like Harvard, Princeton, Yale and Stanford have secured HWS the distinction of being one of the premier liberal arts collegiate debate teams in the U.S. Adding to this record of excellence, HWS is the host of the Round Robin, one of the most prestigious and selective tournaments in debate.
Staff
DANIEL SCHONNING, DIRECTOR
Daniel Schonning has served as Director of HWS Debate since 2023, guiding the team to its strongest results in program history. Under his leadership, the team placed 17th at the 2024 World University Debate Championship in Vietnam. Recognized internationally for his expertise in British Parliamentary adjudication, Schonning was invited to judge the Octofinals and the English as a Second Language Semifinal at the 2025 Worlds in Panama. As an undergraduate debater, Schonning won the 2016 Cornell IV, among other notable finishes. He earned his MFA from Colorado State University and is also a Professor of Practice in the Department of English and Creative Writing.
ERIC BARNES, FORMER DIRECTOR AND ADVISOR
Professor of Philosophy Eric Barnes launched the HWS Debate program in 2004 and built it into one of the most internationally respected teams in British Parliamentary Debate. Dedicated to improving the activity of debate, Barnes has advanced stronger arguments, fairer competitions and innovative tournament design. In 2007, he created the HWS Round Robin, now regarded as the “International Tournament of Champions” and one of the most prestigious debate events in the world. A noted scholar of debate, he has published influential works including Philosophy in Practice: Understanding Value Debate and Burn This Book: Why Theorizing About Judging is Dangerous for British Parliamentary Debate. On campus, he teaches courses on debate in the Philosophy Department, helping students strengthen their reasoning and communication skills.
HWS DEBATE PROGRAM RESULTS
- Adjudicator advanced to the EFL finals and Open octo-finals adjudicator rounds in 2022 and 2024 World Championships held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and Panama City, Panama.
- Open Semifinalist and Novice Finalists in the 2024 North American Universities Debating Championship in Mexico City, Mexico.
- Adjudicator advanced to the Finals in the Novice Division of the 2024 North American Universities Debating Championship in Mexico City, Mexico
- Finalist at 2024 Colgate Open Debate Championship and Novice National Debating Championship at Cornell University.
- Ranked 17th overall and 4th in English as a Second Language, and Octo Finalists at 2023 World University Debating Championship held in Vietnam.
- Semifinalists at 2023 United States University Debate Championship.
- Semifinalist of Cornell University's 2023 Campeonato Hispanohablante Interuniversitario de Debate y Oratoria
- Ranked best English as a Second Language (ESL) team at Yale Intervarsity Debate Championship 2023
- Champions of the Novice National Debate Championship and the Colgate Debate Championship in 2022.
- Octo-Finalist of the 2022 World Championship
- Champions of 2022 Vermont Debate Championship.
- Champions of the 2021 English as Secondary Language category at the Hart House Intervarsity Debate Competition.
- Champions of the 2016 Cornell Intervarsity Debate Championship.
- Champions of the 2015 Brad Smith Debate Tournament held at the University of Rochester.
- Champions of the 2012 US National Championships.
THE INTERNATIONAL ROUND ROBIN @ HWS
The HWS Round Robin, also called the “international tournament of champions,” is known by debaters as the most competitive tournament in debate. Only teams that emerge as global and regional champions are invited to participate. Debaters travel to Geneva to compete, exchange ideas and test themselves against the very best in the world.
HWS DEBATE ALUMNI
Will McConnell ’12
Associate Professor of Sociology, Florida Atlantic University
Anna Dorman ’14
Legal Counsel for Protect Democracy and Lecturer on Law at Harvard Law School
Amira Abdulkadir '14
US Head of Dividend Forecasting, IHS Markit
Maya Striuli ’22
Analyst, Quality Assessment & Improvement, Kobre & Kim
Sarim Karim ’22
Program Assistant, Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership, City College of New York
Matthew Nusom ’23
Advisory Consultant, Deloitte
Kayla Powers ’23
Client Operations and Legal Project Management Coordinator, Ropes & Gray LLP
Tenzin Yonten ’23
J.D. Candidate at Harvard Law School
William Koepp ’23
J.D. Candidate at Columbia Law School
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes HWS Debate different from other college debate teams?
HWS Debate is recognized as one of the most competitive and accomplished debate programs in the world. We consistently compete against, and beat, teams from Cornell, Harvard, Princeton, Yale and other established programs. We also host the HWS Round Robin, regarded as one of the most selective and prestigious tournaments in British Parliamentary Debate.
How competitive is the program?
The HWS Debate program is very competitive. HWS Debate has placed among the top 20 teams at the World University Debate Championships and advanced to elimination rounds at the most selective tournaments in North America. Students are expected to train regularly, travel to tournaments, and bring strong preparation and commitment. This is a program for students who want to challenge themselves on the global stage.
Do I need prior debate experience to join?
No prior experience is required. Many of our most successful debaters started with no formal training. What matters is intellectual curiosity, commitment to improving and a willingness to participate in practices and competitions. Through training, mentorship and tournament experience, new members quickly develop the skills to succeed.
What style of debate does HWS practice?
HWS competes in British Parliamentary (BP) Debate, the world’s most widely used collegiate debate format and the official style of the World University Debate Championship. BP emphasizes quick thinking, persuasive speaking and rigorous argumentation.
How much time do students usually commit to debate?
Debaters attend practice sessions scheduled after the academic day and travel frequently for tournaments. Most competitions take place on weekends, with the team typically leaving on Friday and returning Sunday. Students should expect a meaningful but rewarding time commitment that balances well with academics and other activities.
How often does the team travel to tournaments?
HWS Debate travels throughout the academic year to tournaments across the northeast United States and Canada. Competitions are frequent, giving students the opportunity to gain valuable experience and sharpen their skills. At the end of the year, students are selected to attend the World Championship, which is held at locations around the globe (the most recent tournament was held in Panama City, Panama).
Where does HWS Debate compete?
Our students compete at the World University Debate Championships and the United States Universities Debate Championship. We compete in the Northeast U.S. circuit, which has prestigious tournaments hosted by the University of Toronto, Cornell University and Colgate University. And we sent debaters to England to compete at the Cambridge Intervarsity Tournament. HWS Debate regularly ranks among the best teams at these events, making us one of the most internationally competitive liberal arts debate programs.
Does the program cover travel expenses?
Yes. All travel expenses for official tournaments, including registration, transportation, lodging, and meals, are covered by HWS. This ensures every student has the opportunity to compete, regardless of financial background.
How does debate help with skills like public speaking, critical thinking or leadership?
Debate builds a unique combination of intellectual and professional skills. Students learn to analyze complex issues, think on their feet, conduct thorough research, and communicate persuasively. These abilities translate directly into the classroom and prepare graduates for leadership in any field.
What career paths have HWS Debate alumni pursued?
HWS Debate alumni have gone on to distinguished careers in law, business, public policy, international affairs, education, communications and technology. Many credit their debate experience with giving them critical thinking and communication skills. The HWS Alumni Network has more than 20,000 alumni, including leaders and innovators across every field.