Spanish Language Debate
We are excited to introduce Debate Abierto! To find out more please click HERE
Cal Poly’s Spanish-language debate program invites students to engage with complex public issues while cultivating the timeless tools of persuasion, critical reasoning, and civic dialogue. Rooted in our shared history and community, the program offers a space for students to grow as bilingual thinkers and advocates — whether they arrive as heritage speakers, language learners, or first-time public speakers. Through rigorous practice in argumentation and deliberation, students develop transferable skills in leadership, analysis, and communication that serve them in business, public service, and professional life.
We offer two main tracks:
• Civic debate through the Legados series
• Competitive debates in Spanish-language British Parliamentary (BP) format
Students of all majors and experience levels are welcome. We provide mentorship, skill-building, and opportunities to engage with both regional communities and international networks
Civic Debate: Legados
Cal Poly is a founding member of the Civic Debate Consortium and a core host of Legados, the only civic debate series in Spanish in the United States. The program began in 2018 and since then, Legados has grown into a binational initiative where students from the U.S. and Mexico propose real-world policy solutions on issues such as care work, disaster response, labor justice, and social resilience.
2025–2026 Legados Events:
• Legados USA — February 21, 2025, hosted at Cal Poly
• Legados México — November 14, 2025, hosted at CETYS Universidad in Mexicali
Debates use the JoPat format: structured, solution-focused rounds that incorporate crossexamination, synthesis of perspectives, and civic reasoning. Judges evaluate teams on clarity, viability, and relevance to binational communities
Competitive Debate in Spanish
Cal Poly is an active participant in the growing Spanish-language British Parliamentary (BP) debate circuit, representing the university at major tournaments across the Americas. In 2025, our team competed at CMUDE, the World Universities Spanish Debating Championship, and continues to take part in high-level Spanish BP competitions as the format expands across the
region.
We are proud to be the first U.S. public university accepted into the Asociación Mexicana de Debate, joining a vibrant network of Spanish-language debaters and institutions throughout Mexico.
Community Outreach: Migrant Education Tournament
For the past three years, Cal Poly has hosted the Migrant Education Regional Speech and Debate
Tournament, in partnership with Region 18.
This event brings bilingual middle and high school students to campus to practice public speaking, learn argumentation, and engage with college mentors. It reflects our deep commitment to equity, access, and community-rooted education.
Join the Program
Whether you’re new to public speaking or ready to compete internationally, Spanish-language debate at Cal Poly offers a supportive environment for growth, leadership, and real-world impact.
Contact: debate@calpoly.ed
