The Mānoa Debate Union serves not only the students of the University but also the state of Hawai‘i at large. An internationally competitive debate program brings honor and esteem to the University of Hawai‘i, attracting the best and brightest students and encouraging the top talent from our Hawai‘i secondary schools to remain in the islands for higher education. Currently, we lose many articulate, future leaders to mainland schools with well-endowed debate programs. By offering an alternative close to home, we create a pipeline for talent. An intramural collegiate debate league exposes students to a diversity of ideas and improves discourse between institutions of higher learning within our state. Finally, our service dedicated to fostering the forensic development of Hawai‘i youth helps establish a clear path between organizations like the Hawai‘i Speech League and the University of Hawai‘i. By providing resources for development to youth, we empower them to be leaders and agents of change in their communities, and in so doing, we improve the governance of our state. (Any comments or views posted here are those of the individual and do not reflect the views of MDU or the University of Hawai‘i. MDU does not tolerate hate speech or harassment of any form. This includes, but is not limited to, derogatory statements on the basis of s*x, gender, orientation, religion, race, ethnicity, or disability. If you feel you have been the victim of harassment, please contact us. All matters will be dealt with promptly and confidentially.)
