Celebrating achievement: Monash debaters took part in historical Wiley College Exhibition Debate in Texas

A team from the Monash Association of Debaters (MAD) was recently invited and funded to travel to Texas, USA to take part in an exhibition debate against ‘The Great Debaters’ of Wiley College - a fierce debating competitor with a strong presence in debating history.

The Wiley College debating team played a significant role fighting racial discrimination and segregation during the civil rights movement. In 1935, the Wiley College debating team was unable to participate in the USA national debating championship competition due to harsh segregation laws. However, they braved discrimination and participated in an exhibition debate against an all-white University of Southern California team who were the reigning national champions at the time. The African American underdog team successfully defeated the reigning champions. This historical debate took place before an audience of eleven hundred people and was later depicted in the 2007 period film The Great Debaters, starring Denzel Washington, who portrayed the team's then-coach Professor Melvin Tolson.

Following a generous donation by Denzel Washington in 2007, the Wiley College debating team have been re-established. Since 2008, the College’s debaters have hosted an annual debating contest. The team invited the three-time world champions from Monash University (who won the world championships in 2011, 2012 and 2013) to take part in their annual exhibition debate. This was the first time Wiley College had hosted a debate against an international team.

Ms Madeline Schultz

Monash was represented by Ms Gemma Buckley (Monash Arts alumna) and Ms Madeline Schultz (current Science/Law student), ranked among the top best speakers in the world. The topic debated was ‘reducing economic inequality should be the number one fiscal priority of a nation’ and the Monash team of two were successful. We congratulate the Monash team on their win while also highlighting the significance of their involvement in this historically important event. This in itself is an achievement and indication of the high regard in which the Monash debating team is held internationally.  

“It is fantastic to see Monash recognised for [its] quality around the globe, and to be invited to debate at such a historical college is an opportunity Monash is extremely proud of,” said Mr Sam Whitney, President of the Monash Association of Debaters (MAD).

After their time in Texas, the Monash team travelled to New York where they were invited to provide coaching to the society at Colgate University and Cornell University.

For those of you who are also MAD alumni, please find out more about the MAD Alumni Association and membership.