Texas Southern University Debate Team Sets Sights on Athens, Greece Following Historic International Championship
By Following its historic victory at the International Forensics Association’s 35th Annual Speech and Debate Tournament in 2025, the internationally acclaimed Texas Southern University Debate Team is preparing to once again represent the University on the global stage. This year’s International Forensics Association Speech & Debate Tournament and Conference will take place March 8–12 in Athens, Greece.
The upcoming competition continues the Debate Team’s legacy of excellence after earning the overall championship at the 2025 IFA tournament in Incheon, South Korea. That win marked the team’s fifth IFA championship, solidifying its standing as one of the premier debate programs in the world.
“Our students understand that excellence is not a destination—it’s a commitment,” said Dr. Gloria Batiste-Roberts, head debate coach. “As we prepare to compete in Athens, we do so with pride in our recent accomplishments and with determination to continue showcasing Texas Southern University as a global leader in forensic arts.”
The Debate Team will join universities from around the world in Athens, competing across a range of forensic disciplines including parliamentary debate, individual events, and interpretive performance. The international conference also provides students and coaches the opportunity to engage with scholars, judges, and competitors in discussions surrounding rhetoric, advocacy, and global discourse.
Established in 1949 by the late Dr. Thomas F. Freeman, the Texas Southern University Debate Team has long served as a cornerstone of academic excellence and student development at the University. For more than seven decades, the program has empowered students with critical thinking, public speaking, and leadership skills that extend far beyond competition.
As the team prepares for its next international journey, community support remains essential. Alumni, supporters, and friends of the University are encouraged to invest in the continued success of the Debate Team through monetary gifts, which help offset travel, lodging, and competition expenses.
Supporters can contribute by visiting: https://giving.tsu.edu/debateteam/.
