Simon, a global studies, political science and Russian junior, began lobbying for the debate team last September while attending a freshman seminar led by University President Mark Yudof. If there happens to be a shortage of those opportunities, then you make them yourself. Yudof said he chose to support a student debate team because it presents positive opportunities for University students. Yudof allotted the team a year's worth of funding from his office's discretionary funds. Although the team must become self-supporting in time, Yudof said he wanted to help get it off the ground.
People get very fired up about it.
There is a lot of intensity. While Yudof did not participate in debate in high school or college, he gained an interest in the activity because of his legal background. He said he regretted never getting involved in debate. Simon said the team does not require students with previous debate experience. Just people who like to argue and have an interesting point to make.