University of Oregon Shuts Down Its Renowned Speech, Debate, and Mock Trial Program After Almost 150 Years

Eugene, Oregon Sep 18, 2025  – The University of Oregon has announced the discontinuation of its venerable speech, debate, and mock trial program, officially known as the Forensics Program, after nearly 150 years of fostering leaders, innovators, and public servants. This decision has caused significant concern among alumni and students, who are now actively seeking avenues to secure the program’s continuity. 

As one of the earliest established groups on the University of Oregon campus, Forensics has stood as one of the nation’s most enduring platforms for debate, speech, and mock trial. It has served thousands of students and garnered national acclaim, including six national championships. The program’s influence has been profound, ranging from hosting landmark tournaments such as the David Frank Tournament of Scholars, the Robert D. Clark Invitational, and the David Frohnmayer Invitational, to cultivating alumni who have gone on to leadership roles in courts, boardrooms, and legislatures. Intriguingly, in the late 1890s, the program even organized popular public debates to help finance the nascent Ducks football team. 

This cancellation is particularly challenging for current students and staff, who were in the midst of preparing for the Fall competition season. Alumni and supporters express a desire to collaborate with the University to identify a sustainable path forward. 

“Forensics serves as a vital pathway to advanced education and successful careers, which a university should consider a paramount priority,” stated Shelby Malstrom, a 2012 UO and Forensics alumna. “We urge you to maintain the program through the fall term, which incurs virtually no additional cost, and to assist us in securing a permanent institutional home within the university.” 

The University’s suggestion that Forensics operate as a student club under the ASUO is deemed neither presently practical nor long-term sustainable. This abrupt decision renders timely recognition and funding impossible for this year’s competition season, and the club model cannot provide the professional oversight, staffing, and stability requisite for national-level success. The consequences would include lost travel opportunities, the elimination of ORCS or Nationals participation for mock trial, restricted competition to local events, and the absence of professional educators who guide students toward the full educational benefits of forensics. Unlike forensics, most ASUO clubs typically travel only a few times annually—a structure entirely incompatible with a program that has been a foundational pillar of the University for almost 150 years.