The 1995 Congressional Debate Over Partial-Birth Abortion: Experts Testimony as Evidence

Author:

• Jacob Thompson (University of Nevada, Las Vegas)

Abstract:

The Sanford I. Berman Debate Forum at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas is one of a handful of CEDA/NDT debate programs that recently have been created. As the Director of Debate at UNLV, I have been charged with building this new debate program from the ground up. This paper will focus on the process, challenges, and benefits of creating a new collegiate policy debate program. Specifically it will examine (1) the minutiae of new program development, (2) fundraising, (3) recruiting, and (4) the cultivation of university/departmental/ administrative support. Finally, I will conclude by examining current CEDA/NDT organizational approaches that attempt to foster and sustain new programs, and will suggest new directions to facilitate the continued growth of new debate programs across America.