First Inaugural Debate Series

Natural History Museum Baird Auditorium

Six college debate teams, in three 75-minute debates, argue the priorities of the new Obama administration, including energy and climate change, health care and the economy, and foreign policy. Celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Inauguration Day. Presented by the National Museum of African American History and Culture in cooperation with the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

• 9-9:30 AM: Introductory Remarks: Speakers TBA.

• 9:30 AM: Energy and Climate Change: Michigan State University vs. Wake Forest University: These two schools represent the pinnacle of intercollegiate debate, both having won the National Debate Tournament (NDT) -- America's most historic and prestigious national debate championship -- in the last three years.

• 11:30 AM: Health Care and the Economy: University of Mary Washington vs. the University of Southern California: These two institutions have long traditions of excellence in intercollegiate debate.

• 2 PM: Foreign Policy: Fayetteville State University vs. Voorhees College These two HBCUs are committed to making debate education central to their educational mission. This debate marks the 100th anniversary of the first intercollegiate debates between HBCUs.

• 3:30-4 PM: Closing Remarks: Speakers TBA
Free