Invitation for the Rutgers University-Newark Social Justice Debates Tournament
Rutgers University–Newark is proud to host the second Fall 25’ Social Justice Debates, bringing together students, educators, and community members for a weekend of powerful dialogue, critical thinking, and advocacy. This event celebrates the spirit of debate as a tool for change, creating a welcoming space where diverse voices can engage pressing social issues with passion and purpose.
Tournament Hotel and Transportation
The campus and the hotels are all within minutes of the Newark International Airport and are easily accessible through Uber and public transportation. While there is no hotel block, we suggest booking at Hampton Inn & Suites or Robert Treat Hotel:
Hampton Inn & Suites Newark-Harrison Hotel
100 Passaic Avenue
Harrison NJ 07029
(973) 483-1900 Robert Treat Hotel
50 Park Place Newark, NJ 07102 (973) 622-1000
Parking
Visitors may use the newer Rutgers parking garage (Deck 4) at 134 Washington Street, Newark, NJ 07102, across the street from the law school. The daily fee is $5. The garage is on the right-hand side of Washington Street, immediately after Linden Street and Bubbakoo’s Burritos, two blocks north of Raymond Boulevard. Signage is limited.
Deck 4 visitors must take a ticket from the kiosk for the gates to open. They pay the $5 parking fee at the exit gate when departing, or by scanning the “Scan to Pay” QR code signs displayed around the deck, or by using a credit or debit card at the kiosk in the elevator lobby. The university uses license plate recognition to enforce parking payments.
Main Competition Site
Rutgers University Newark School of Law 123 Washington St. Newark, NJ 07102
Food
We will provide two breakfasts from local restaurant Pronto Café and two lunches, Pizza and Cuban. Snacks and drinks will be available to participants throughout the tournament.
Contact Information
Tournament Director: Willie Johnson (917) 659-8405 or wilj.nyudlaa@gmail.com
Tabulation Staff: Brady Fletcher brady.fletcher@rochester.edu
Fees
We will charge $50 per person and a $50 school fee. We will be running the tournament at cost, and the fees cover the use of the space, awards, and food. Please make all checks out to Rutgers University. We will also have a CC link available in the coming week. If the cost is a problem or limits your school's participation, please reach out to Willie Johnson.
Awards
We have some outstanding awards for the tournament and will be awarding the top speakers in each division.
Schedule and Deadlines (EST)
Saturday, October 11th
9:00 AM—Breakfast (Room 010, Law School) 9:30 AM – Registration and Judge Briefing
10:30 AM—Round 1
12:00 PM—Round 2
1:00 PM—Lunch and Voter Registration Drive
2:30 PM—Round 3
4:00 PM—Round 4
Sunday, October 12th
9:00 AM—Breakfast
10:00 AM—Round 5
12:00PM—Quarter-Finals
1:30 PM— Lunch and Awards
3:00 PM—Semi-Finals
5:00 PM—Finals
Tournament Procedures
We will debate the topic of 2025-2026 Social Justice Debates.
Resolved: “The U.S. should constitutionalize the right to vote."
The Debate
“Securing the right to vote to all persons through a constitutional amendment would allow greater access to the franchise and embolden the idea that the right to vote is indeed fundamental.” Gilda R. Daniels, Voting Realism, 104 Ky. L.J. 583, 603 (2016)
Format
1st Affirmative: 6 Minutes
Cross-examination by 2nd Negative: 4 minutes
1st Negative: 6 minutes
Cross-examination by 1st Affirmative: 4 minutes
2nd Affirmative: 6 minutes
Cross-examination by 1st Negative: 4 minutes
2nd Negative: 6 minutes
Cross-examination by 2nd Affirmative: 4 minutes
Preparation Time: 2 minutes
Affirmative Rebuttal: 6 minutes
Preparation Time: 2 minutes
Negative Rebuttal: 6 minutes
Team and Speech Structure
Team Size: Teams will consist of 2 or 3 students.
Speaker Points: Each speech will be assigned speaker points. If a student speaks twice in a round, only one speech will count toward speaker awards.
Side Assignments: Teams will be assigned to either affirm or negate the topic.
Format for Teams of Two
Constructive Speeches:
Each speaker delivers one 6-minute speech.
Each speaker is cross-examined for 4 minutes.
Each speaker conducts one 4-minute cross-examination of an opposing debater.
Closing Rebuttal:
One speaker from each team delivers a 6-minute closing rebuttal.
Over the preliminary rounds, rebuttal duties must be balanced:
Each speaker gives two closing rebuttals for their team.
Partners must split rebuttal duties evenly.
Harassment/Ethics
All participants are expected to uphold the highest standards of respect, equity, and integrity throughout the tournament. The tournament will be conducted in alignment with the Statement on Ethical Principles and the Digital Bill of Rights, ensuring that debates are inclusive, safe, and affirming spaces where the dignity and rights of all participants are respected.
Judging
Each school is required to provide one judge. One judge covers two teams. If you submit an odd number of teams, please round up your judge commitment so that 3 teams means you would supply two judges. Any questions about judges should be emailed to Willie Johnson WJ107@newark.rutgers.edu.
Each judge will be required to declare one and only one winner and one and only one loser in each debate to which they are assigned.
Judges will also be required to assign speaker points and speaker ranks to each participant in the debate. Uncovered competitors for team debates are $75. Rutgers University Newark will have judges for hire, but not necessarily enough to cover all the tournament prelims.
We strongly discourage the use of currently enrolled undergraduate judges unless that student is no longer debating and is exceptionally qualified.