Updates
Director’s Update #1
This is the first of what will become a regular feature: Director’s Update. This series will provide alumni and program supporters information about progress on our multi-faceted effort to sustain a robust Oregon Forensics program. Regular updates will also provide information opportunities for alumni, students and supporters to contribute in a range of ways that…
Students and Generations of Alumni Mobilizing to Preserve the UOs Historic Forensics Program
EUGENE, Ore. 9/17/2025 After nearly 150 years of shaping leaders, innovators, and public servants, the University of Oregon has announced the cancellation of its historic speech, debate, and mock trial program (officially the Forensics Program). Alumni and students are deeply concerned and are coming together to explore ways to ensure the program’s future. One of…
Forensics Community Speaks at UO Trustees Meeting
At the September Board of Trustees meetings in Portland, students, alums, and supporters of Oregon Forensics came together to share their experiences and advocate for the program’s future. Their testimony highlighted the program’s rich 149-year legacy and the transformative opportunities it continues to provide for students in speech, debate, and mock trial. Alumni emphasized the…
Alumni Rally to Save Oregon Forensics
More than 150 alumni spanning seven decades signed a letter urging the University of Oregon to reconsider the closure of its historic Forensics program. The letter emphasizes that the financial savings are negligible compared to the program’s impact, and that a student-club model cannot sustain tournaments or provide the professional leadership needed. Alumni requested restoring…
ASUO Senate Passes Resolution Supporting UO Forensics
The Associated Students of the University of Oregon (ASUO) Senate unanimously ratified a resolution affirming support for the Forensics Department. The resolution acknowledged the program’s transformative role in developing leadership, public speaking, and critical thinking skills while emphasizing the need for sustainable funding and institutional backing. It called on the Clark Honors College to maintain…
How You can Help
Carry the Torch
Two weeks before classes began, the University canceled Oregon Forensics.
This decision ends nearly 150 years of nationally recognized excellence in debate, speech, and mock trial. We are deeply disappointed.
But the legacy is too strong to vanish. Alumni, students, and supporters are working together to ensure Oregon Forensics endures beyond this moment.
If you believe in the power of communication, advocacy, and leadership training, we invite you to stand with us.
https://oregonforensics.com
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