Cal Poly Debate Team Champions of Loyola Invitational on Oct. 26

The Cal Poly Debate Team earned the title of “Champion” at this year’s Loyola Marymount University Invitational Debate Tournament, which took place on Oct. 26. The tournament included nationally and internationally ranked teams. Cal Poly contended for top honors against top-ranked teams from the University of La Verne, UCLA, USC, and the Claremont Colleges. Addressing issues pertaining to international relations, social justice, economics, and philosophy, the Cal Poly team produced arguments and strategies that contributed to their success at the event.

Students Ryan Curtain and Bryan Pride led the group to a victorious finish with a position arguing that transformational leaders must not be reified as symbols that limit the public’s ability to hold these same leaders accountable for their transgressions.

The Cal Poly Debate Team’s mission is to help young people use their voice to lead, make responsible decisions, and advocate for justice, equity and shared values that benefit communities. The opportunity to compete at national and international events exposes students to various ideas and philosophies that contribute to the students’ abilities to function in ambiguous, real-world situations.