Urban debaters from Boston and Detroit with COMTO executives and members

On July 13th, four urban debaters from Boston and Detroit presented a public debate at the 2013 Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) Youth Symposium in Jacksonville, FL.

The debaters -- Fatah Adan and Elvis Alvarado (New Mission High School, Boston) and Tazkia Al-Bari and Tyree Williams (Cass Technical High School, Detroit) -- were selected by the National Association for Urban Debate Leagues.

"COMTO proudly supports the National Association for Urban Debate Leagues in its mission to ensure a level playing field for minority students by providing access to competitive urban debate programs. Through scholarships and programs like the Youth Symposium, COMTO is equally committed to supporting minority students who are pursuing transportation careers," said Julie Cunningham, President and CEO of COMTO. "I congratulate these four champion debaters on an excellent debate and thank them for sharing their passion with other young people here today."

More than 100 students attended the Youth Symposium and transportation industry experts from the COMTO membership judged the debate. View photos from the event here.

NAUDL's Public Debates provide audiences a unique opportunity to learn about policy debate, and provide young debaters the opportunity to present their arguments in a public forum. NAUDL welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with businesses and community organizations to present Public Debate programs. To learn more about planning a Public Debate for your business or community, please contact Barbara Carney, NAUDL Director of Development.