University of Oregon’s Speech, Debate, and Mock Trial Program Concludes After Nearly 150 Years of Achievement

Eugene, Oregon Sep 18, 2025  – After nearly 150 years of cultivating leaders, innovators, and public servants, the University of Oregon has announced the discontinuation of its historic speech, debate, and mock trial program, officially known as the Forensics Program. This decision has caused deep concern among alumni and students, who are now uniting to explore avenues for ensuring the program’s continued existence. 

As one of the earliest groups established on the University of Oregon campus, Forensics has long been recognized as one of the nation’s most enduring platforms for debate, speech, and mock trial. It has served thousands of students and achieved significant national recognition, including six national championships. The program’s impact has been profound, ranging from hosting prestigious tournaments such as the David Frank Tournament of Scholars, the Robert D. Clark Invitational, and the David Frohnmayer Invitational, to producing alumni who have gone on to lead in legal, business, and legislative fields. Notably, in the late 1890s, the program even organized popular public debates to help generate funding for the original Ducks football team. 

The cancellation is particularly challenging for current students and staff, who were in the midst of preparing for the upcoming Fall competition season. Alumni and supporters hope to collaborate with the University to establish a sustainable path forward. 

“Forensics provides a crucial pathway to further education and successful careers, which should be a top priority for any university,” stated Shelby Malstrom, a 2012 UO and Forensics alumna. She added, “We respectfully request that you maintain the program through the fall, which involves virtually no associated cost, and assist us in securing a permanent home for it within the university structure.” 

The University’s suggestion that Forensics operate as a student club under the ASUO is deemed neither practical in the short term nor sustainable over the long term. The abrupt nature of the decision makes it impossible to secure the necessary recognition and funding in time for this year’s competition season. Furthermore, the club model cannot provide the professional leadership, dedicated staffing, and stability required for national-level success. This would result in the loss of travel opportunities, the inability to participate in ORCS (Opening Round Championship Series) or National competitions for mock trial, a restriction of competitive events to nearby locations, and the absence of professional educators who are instrumental in helping students achieve the full educational benefits of forensics. Unlike forensics, most ASUO clubs typically travel only a few times a year—a structure entirely incompatible with a program that has been a foundational element of the University for nearly 150 years.