Brooks Quimby Debate Council

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Brooks Quimby Debate Council
Named afterBrooks Quimby
FormationMarch 20, 1854
Founded atLewiston, Maine, U.S.
AffiliationsAmerican Parliamentary Debate
World Universities Debating
Oxford Union

The Brooks Quimby Debate Council (BQDC) is a debate society in Lewiston, Maine, primarily comprising students from Bates College. The society, known for participating in British and American Parliamentary debate styles, competes in the American Parliamentary Debate Association and the World Universities Debating Championship. Notably, it engaged in a debate with Oxford University in 1923, marking Oxford's first debate in the United States.[1]

The BQDC has achieved recognition in various debate championships. In 2017, the team reached the final round of the World Universities Debating Championships in The Hague.[2] Nationally, it ranked 5th in 2013 and 9th globally in 2012.[3] The New York Times once described Bates College as a central hub for college debating in America in 1922.[4]

History[edit]

See also: History of Bates College § Brooks Quimby Debate Council
The third trophy wall of the debate society in Pettigrew Hall.

The debate society's origins trace back to the Maine State Seminary, predating Bates College establishment. It was officially recognized in 1869 when the State of Maine granted charters to the Polymnian and Eurosophian Societies, early debating and literary groups at Bates. Women began participating in debates at Bates in the 1870s.[5] Under the guidance of Brooks Quimby, a Bates alumnus and faculty member, the society became the first in the United States to engage in intercollegiate international debates.

The 1930s marked a significant period known as 'The Quimby Institute,' where intensive individualized debate training was introduced.[6] This period coincided with the society's first international competitions.[7][8] Key moments in society history include a victory over Harvard College in 1920 and participating in the first intercontinental collegiate debate against the Oxford Union in 1921.[9]

Academic scarf of the Brooks Quimby Council
                                   

Membership and status[edit]

The BQDC actively competes both domestically and internationally, with notable achievements including winning the US Nationals at the US Universities Debating Championship. It continues to maintain a strong national and global ranking.[2][3]

Notable alumni[edit]

United States Secretary of State, Edmund Muskie.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Oxford and Bates to Meet in Debate". Google News Archives. Lewiston Daily Sun. 29 August 1923. p. 14. Retrieved 13 January 2016.
  2. ^ a b "Bates debate ranks fifth in nation, including key win at Yale Inter-Varsity Tournament | News | Bates College". www.bates.edu. 31 October 2013. Retrieved 2015-12-07.
  3. ^ a b "Bates debate hits No. 9 in global ranking". www.bates.edu. 29 February 2012. Retrieved 2016-03-13.
  4. ^ "Bates debates Harvard at City Hall | 150 Years | Bates College". www.bates.edu. 22 March 2010. Retrieved 2015-11-24.
  5. ^ "Collection: Brooks Quimby Debate Council | Welcome to Bates College Archives".
  6. ^ "George C. Chase". 150 Years. 2010-03-22. Retrieved 2023-12-07.
  7. ^ "George C. Chase | 150 Years | Bates College". www.bates.edu. 22 March 2010. Retrieved 2015-11-24.
  8. ^ "Student Clubs and Organizations | Campus Life | Bates College". www.bates.edu. Archived from the original on 2015-11-23. Retrieved 2015-11-24.
  9. ^ Clark, Charles E. (2005). Bates Through the Years: an Illustrated History. Edmund Muskie Archives: Bates College, Lewiston, Maine. p. 37.
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