By Abbie Bernet
12-10-2024

Whether debating in a maximum-security prison or competing at world-class universities, University of Miami debaters are making an impact like never before.

The Debate Team has had an exceptional semester, showcasing their skill and commitment on national and international stages. This fall, members had the opportunity to compete at Oxford University, gaining valuable experiences and fostering global connections. Debaters Emily Danzinger, Nikita Kleyner, Simone David, and Larsson Wing, and Coach Patrick Waldinger, benefited from the chance to engage with the international debate community. Their trip was made even more meaningful by the warm welcome from alumna Iman Sami, highlighting the strong network of ‘Cane connections around the world.

“The experience of debating abroad at Oxford was truly spectacular and beyond memorable,” reflected Emily Danzinger, a senior studying communication studies. Danzinger, who has been on the team since her freshman year, shared how debate has shaped her growth over the years, adding, “Debate forces participants to push their own pre-conceived notions of what they can or cannot do, and in turn it produces young leaders who do for fun what many consider worse than death!”

Another standout moment was the team’s participation in the Oregon State Penitentiary debate tournament, an event held inside a maximum-security prison. The tournament brought together college debaters and inmates, fostering unique discussions and perspectives. Simone David and Larsson Wing advanced to the final round, with Simone earning third-place speaker honors.

The team also excelled in Chicago at the Social Justice Debates hosted by Loyola University, where they debated the root causes of homelessness and how to best achieve housing justice against 40 teams, and advanced to the final round against Morehouse College.

In addition to traveling across the country and world, the Debate Team prioritizes giving back to the local community. The team hosted the Shuban Law Group Policy Debate Tournament, where 102 students from 11 Miami-Dade public schools competed. Cane debaters and alumni served as mentors and judges, furthering the league’s mission to support academic debate in Miami.

Dave Steinberg, Debate Team coach and associate professor of professional practice in communication studies, believes the immersion in debate and civil discourse is foundational for developing personal and academic skills including critical and creative thinking.

“Debaters must defend both, or all sides of their issues. Through this experience, they learn to respect those with whom they do not agree and recognize that there is seldom a single clear-cut answer for any issue.”

While Steinberg sees how debating challenges student overcome pressure in a highly competitive environment, which culminates in developing skills and relationships. “That UM debaters excel in life and their professions is the real ‘trophy.’” says Steinberg.