DUDL's Statement Regarding Black Lives matter

The Denver Urban Debate League (DUDL) stands in solidarity with the Black community and allies of the Black community in condemning the continued oppression and persecution of Black bodies and Black voices in this country demonstrated by the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmed Arbery, Marvin Booker and countless other people of color who have lost their lives at the hands of racist law enforcement officers. We share the pain our students, teachers and colleagues are feeling right now as a result of the harsh reality of racial injustice and undue persecution.

We support those working for equity and justice and continue to believe in the power of amplifying voices and open dialogue in achieving sustained change.  We commend our coaches, supporters and students, like DUDL alum Denver School Board Director Tay Anderson, who are raising their voices for justice and assembling in non-violent protest in honor of George Floyd and all Black lives. We stand for an equal, just society with freedom from fear and hatred. At the core of the Denver Urban Debate League’s values and mission is advancing educational equity in our community, so that young people of color have access to the tools they need to advocate for change and engage with questions of public policy. We believe that the skills fostered by speech and debate competition are critical skills, necessary for young leaders to effectively dismantle institutional racism and injustice.

This fall when students return to speech and debate competition, whether it be online or in person, they will join students all over the country debating the topic of criminal justice reform. If you would like to get involved and listen to what our students have to say please email [email protected].  If you would like to learn more about our programs and ways you can support our students please visit www.DenverDebate.org. 
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We hope you will all stand in solidarity with Black Lives Matter at this historic turning point in our country’s history. As State Representative Leslie Herod said this week,
​“We are tired. We are angry. We are rising.”
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Let us all rise together to declare ​Black Lives Matter and work for effective and meaningful change. ​