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Welcome to the Houston Urban Debate League

In 2008, a small group of former high school and college debaters founded the Houston Urban Debate League (HUDL), a non-profit 501 (C) (3) organization dedicated to re-introducing academic debate to underserved and at-risk students in Houston area high schools.

HUDL sought, and was granted, affiliate status with the National Association for Urban Debate Leagues (NAUDL), and on March 13, 2008 the Houston Independent School District (HISD) Board of Education unanimously committed to co-sponsor a citywide debate league including 15 schools for the 2008-2009 academic year.

Now in only its second year, HUDL serves over 800 students in 27 HISD high schools and has enjoyed increasing competitive success in local, state and even national tournaments. Recently, HUDL teams placed among the top teams in the nation at the NAUDL Urban Debate National Championship in New York City.

The academic debate experience is analyzing, speaking, and competing …by debating!

HISD Recognizes and Supports HUDL

“Competitive debate builds confidence, improves academic achievement, and develops leadership skills. HISD is home to the nation’s current #1 high school debate team (Bellaire) and #1 middle school debate team (Lanier). But in recent years, only a few HISD high schools have offered competitive debate. The Houston Urban Debate League is bringing competitive debate into more high schools across the city, and that is great news for our schools and for our community. With the HUDL leading the charge, Great Debaters will develop and thrive throughout Houston.”

Harvin C. Moore, IV
Trustee, Board of Education
Houston Independent School District

NAUDL supports Houston Urban Debate League

“The National Association for Urban Debate Leagues is pleased to welcome Houston to our growing family of cities dedicated to revitalizing debate in urban public schools throughout America. Houston has a special place in the history of debate and we are impressed with the energy and resources HUDL is bringing to the new Houston League.”

Scott Deatherage
Former Executive Director
National Association for Urban Debate Leagues