The John R. Park Debate Society is pleased to host the English Speaking Union’s British National Debate Team. The British Team will participate in the 2024 John R. Park Public Debate during their tour of the United States this Fall. Their tour will include a public debate held on the University of Utah Campus.

What: John R. Park Public Debate featuring the British National Debate Team

-Presented by the John R. Park Debate Society and the Department of Communication at the University of Utah  
-Sponsored by the National Communication Association’s Committee on International Discussion and Debate

Who: The British National Debate Team & The University of Utah’s John R. Park Debate Society

When: Monday, November 18th, 2024 6:30PM – 8:00PM

Where: Language and Communication Building, Room 1110 (LNCO 1110)

In cooperation with the National Communication Association’s Committee for International Discussion and Dialogue, the University of Utah’s John R. Park Debate Society and The Department of Communication will host The British National Debate Team, selected by the English-Speaking Union. This year, Laura White and Tom Rattner will represent the English-Speaking Union. 

The British debaters will visit Utah from November 17-19, during their visit they will tour the University of Utah and Salt Lake City. Their visit will feature a public debate with the Debate Society. In the spirit of the Committee for International Discussion and Debate’s commitment to public dialogue between students from the US and the UK, the two debate programs will debate an issue that emphasizes international relations and resonates with the University of Utah’s commitment to global citizenship. This year, students will consider answers to the question: Is it the responsibility of national governments to prioritize climate change policies over economic growth?

Following the debate, a respondent will offer feedback, and the floor will be opened to all of the debaters, the respondent, and coaches for questions from the audience.