The Bridgeport Public School Debate League (BPSDL) is a competitive association, founded in 2014 as a way to introduce students to the art of parliamentary debate. Its purpose is fostering critical thinking and public speaking skills, nurture self-confidence, provide opportunities to engage in independent research and expose students to topics involving politics, education, government, the environment and other important current and historical events.
Participation is open to all Bridgeport public school students in grades 4-12. The League is divided into 3 divisions: elementary (4-5), middle (6-8) and high school (9-12). Each school, in the respective divisions, will debate each other at various tournaments throughout the year. Students in the high school division will also have the opportunity of debating in the New Haven Urban Debate League (NHUDL) tournaments. Schools may enter as many teams as they wish to BPSDL tournaments. Space is limited for UDL tournaments.
The BPSDL partners with the Yale Universitys’ New Haven Urban Debate League who graciously provide training and logistical support for all our students and coaches.