An Undergraduate Student Organization at Harvard College
Excellence is the Standard.
Established in 1892, the Harvard Debate Council fields competitive teams at the National Debate Tournament and tournaments under the Cross Examination Debate Association, hosts internationally recognized workshops and competitions, and serves as a global ambassador for debate.
7x
NDT Champions
1892
Founded
50+
Years of Workshops and Tournaments
"Competing for the Harvard Debate Council is one of the most intellectually rigorous and rewarding experiences available to students at the College."
- Dr. Tripp Rebrovick '09, Coach of Debate
Generations of Harvard debaters have honed their rhetorical and intellectual skills, going on to careers of success, service, and national prominence. The challenge of public speaking builds sound judgment, self-confidence, and the capacity to make quick decisions under pressure.
What We Do
Competitive Team
NDT Team
At the heart of the Harvard Debate Council is its competitive team, which fields Harvard College students at the National Debate Tournament (NDT) and at major intercollegiate policy debate tournaments throughout the academic year governed by the Cross Examination Debate Association (CEDA).
National Debate Tournament Record
7
NDT Championships
5
NDT Runner-Up Finishes
74
NDT Speaker Awards
81
NDT Elimination Round Teams
70+
Consecutive NDT Invitations since 1954
5
Rex Copeland Awards
57
First-Round At Large Bids