Harvard College Debating Union

A student-run parliamentary debate organization at Harvard College.

Collegiate debate club

Harvard University

Harvard University — Cambridge · Cambridge, MA

Activity: Unconfirmed

Official debate-organization evidence is available, but the reviewed source does not establish a dated current or most recently completed academic season.

Verified 2026-11-02.

Source

Also known as HCDU, Harvard Speech and Parliamentary Debate Society, HSPDS.

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How the program debates

HCDU competes domestically and internationally in American and British parliamentary debate. New members can join without prior debate experience.

Debate formats

American parliamentarySource
British parliamentarySource

Circuits and associations

American Parliamentary Debate Association · Documented participation · Season not documentedSource

Program support

The organization identifies itself as student-run.Source

Joining and participation

Novice participation: No previous debate experience is required.Source
Practice arrangements: The team describes weekly meetings, practice rounds and case-development sessions.Source

Coaches and notable connections

Shengwu Li

Advisor

Harvard’s organization registry identifies Shengwu Li as an advisor to HCDU.

Official biographySource

History and achievements

Established in fall 1981.Source

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Sources and verification

Harvard College Debating Union — official program evidence
Checked 2026-11-02
Harvard Recognition — official evidence
Checked 2026-11-02
Official institution website and campus information
Checked 2026-11-02

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Historical connections and results describe the named program and season. Contact the program for current participation details.

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