BU wins Frederick Douglass Debate Society tourney

Bloomsburg University’s Frederick Douglass Debate Society competed in the fourth annual end-of-the-year debate tournament at West Chester University on Thursday, April 5. The two-member BU team, Amanda Weaver and Tanisha Webster, placed first in the competition out of nineteen teams and five PASSHE schools debating to find a resolution to the issue: Should Confederate monuments be removed from public property in the United States?

“The feeling of winning the Frederick Douglass Debate Society Competition is still unexplainable because my partner, Amanda Weaver and I never saw it coming,” Tanisha Webster, senior business management major said. “During our first competition two years ago, we did not make it to the semi-finals. When we made it to the semi-finals undefeated and then to place first was unreal. I remember just feeling a mixture of emotions, I was happy but then exhausted. All I could think about after winning was calling my mom to share the good news. “

According to Webster, while debating against other teams, they made sure that they remained positive and focused on just enjoying the experience because this was their last time debating during their college career. Every year, the Frederick Douglass Debate Society chooses a controversial topic for the teams. This year, it was about whether or not confederate monuments should be removed.

“The first thing we do is look at what the resolution says and we determine the different key words and concepts that we need to define so that we can have the best understanding of it,” Amanda Weaver, senior communication studies major said. “Next, we look at the affirmative’s position and the opposition’s position and we individually gravitate towards one side or the other. We would then discuss our sources and find different ways that we can go about our arguments.”

According to the team, one of the largest challenges about this topic was separating their personal beliefs from the argument. The research process involved thinking outside of the box and finding credible sources that backed up their points.

“Debate has taught me how to be a better active listener, presenter, and researcher,” Webster said. “I believe that with the skills that I have acquired in the school of business, liberal arts, and the debate team, I am more than equipped to fulfill my dreams of becoming a successful corporate lawyer. I must say the most valuable thing that I have learned from debate is that anyone can do it. During my time with the debate team, I have spoken at national and regional conferences which was something that I have never planned or expected to do during my college career”

The Frederick Douglass Debate Society has allowed students to further their written and oral communications, public speaking, and presentation skills. The debate team spends extensive time researching and understanding various viewpoints. These skills and practices can be carried forward with students as they move on to their professional careers.

“The biggest take away would have to be the amount of confidence that this experience has given me,” Weaver said. “I was never one for speaking in front of people, but thanks to a former debate coach and professor, I am now a confident and proud speaker. I have gained the knowledge that if I work hard enough at something, I can learn and grow and eventually earn the highest honor. I went from knowing nothing about debating to being the 4th annual Frederick Douglas Debate Society tournament champion. I am now confident that I am able to achieve other life goals. This isn’t just a team, they are family. Without them I could never be where I am now. This win was not just mine, but a win for Bloomsburg University as a whole. I will forever be grateful for joining the Frederick Douglas Debate Society.”