New Student Organization Brings Debate to UM-Dearborn
- Rayan Bazzi
- 12 hours ago
- 2 min read
By Rayan Bazzi
Do you enjoy spirited discussion, sharpening public speaking skills, or thinking critically under pressure? Students at the University of Michigan-Dearborn now have a new opportunity to do all three through the American Parliamentary Debate Association, a newly founded student organization dedicated to competitive debate and intellectual engagement.
The American Parliamentary Debate Association (APDA) was officially founded during the Winter 2026 semester after six months of planning and preparation. The organization held its first meeting on January 14 and was established by President Rayan Bazzi, Vice President Zak Elayan, and Social Media Manager Angie Habhab. The founding board sought to create a space where students could develop argumentation skills while building a supportive academic community on campus.
The club is advised by two faculty sponsors with extensive legal and academic experience. Assistant Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies and Pre-Law Faculty Advisor Kathleen Darcy brings professional expertise in law and legal reasoning to the organization. She is joined by Professor and Chair of Behavioral Sciences Francine Banner, who also holds a Juris Doctor degree and has a strong background in legal studies and education. Together, their guidance supports the organization’s mission to foster critical thinking, confidence, and structured debate among students.
The APDA is an organization where college students are in competitive debates that require quick thinking, worldly knowledge, and argumentation skills. APDA tournaments are designed in a two-v-two style, in which one group argues for a proposal, while the other argues against it. Student judges will decide the verdict after looking at which group articulates their argument best.
On campus, they plan to hold various events to prepare themselves to compete in tournaments across the country and build a campus community! The organization aims to eventually send members to regional and national tournaments held in cities such as Chicago, Washington, D.C., and New York, with virtual competitions also available.
Beyond competition, the organization places a strong emphasis on community building and accessible programming. In February, the club will host a low-stakes tournament titled Debate Your Heart Out, featuring lighthearted Valentine’s Day-themed topics designed to welcome new members and reduce intimidation for beginners. Additional events and workshops are planned throughout the Winter 2026 semester and beyond.
Students interested in joining can find the organization on VictorsLink and Instagram, where updates about meetings, events, group chat communications, and membership opportunities are regularly posted.