Debate Team

The Williams College Debate Team is an organization composed of students who participate in debate tournaments across the country. The format of our debates is parliamentary. It is styled on the British House of Commons. Students participate in two person teams and argue resolutions on topics such as current events, government, policy, history, and philosophy. Each tournament consists of five rounds of debate, followed by "out rounds" beginning with quarterfinals. Debate builds organizational, speaking, and reasoning skills. The team has five officers who are all experienced debaters. They help organize our yearly tournament, which we host in September, and take care of team business. In particular, they help train incoming freshmen and give them an introduction to the activity.