Loyola Hosts the Largest Social Justice Debate Championship Yet

This past weekend, Loyola University Chicago became the center of spirited intellectual engagement as it hosted the Civic Debate Consortium’s Social Justice Debates Fall Championship. This year’s competition, held at the Corboy Law Center, saw participation from leading universities including Pepperdine, Penn State, University of Vermont, Morehouse, and George Washington University.

Not only did the venue receive rave reviews from attendees, but many also ventured out to experience Chicago’s famous Portillo’s, making the event as memorable off-stage as it was during the debates.

The championship was made possible through the extraordinary efforts of David Romanelli, who organized and managed the largest debate in the consortium’s history. His dedication ensured a seamless experience for participants and showcased Loyola’s commitment to fostering critical discourse.

The event also featured notable guest critics, whose insights enriched the experience for participants:

• Michael C. Rohrbeck, Executive Director of Voice of the People in Uptown, Inc., brought his expertise in affordable housing and community collaboration.
• Daniel Burke, a Loyola Law alumnus and former Director of HUD’s Multifamily Midwest Region, provided perspectives shaped by decades of housing policy and advocacy.
• Elizabeth Lozano, Loyola’s Program Director for Communication Studies and Advocacy and Social Change, lent her expertise in media and cultural studies to the debates.

The debates were judged by dedicated volunteers, including Assistant Professor Urooj Raja, who brought her mother, a former national debate champion of Pakistan, adding a global flair to the event. Ela also played a pivotal role as a judge in the final round, handling the difficult task of selecting a winner among such exceptional competitors.

Loyola’s own debate team shone brightly, impressing with their preparation and passion. Their performance is a testament to the values and academic excellence that Loyola champions.

With the support of our community and the contributions of exceptional guest critics, this year’s Social Justice Debates set a new standard for collaboration and intellectual rigor. Thank you to everyone who made this weekend a success!