On May 31, 2023, Morrison Foerster hosted the first-ever New York City Urban Debate League (NYCUDL) Middle School Cross-District Championship in the New York office. The tournament brought together the top teams from Districts 7, 9, 15, and 16 to compete against one another.
The NYCUDL is the largest debate league in the nation. Its mission is to create equitable access to academic debate opportunities with a focus on students of color and students from other historically underserved communities in New York City to empower the next generation of diverse, informed, and courageous leaders.
Following the implementation of MoFo’s diversity and inclusion billable hours policy in early 2021, partner David Kaufman, of counsel Gerardo Gomez Galvis, and associate Jocelyn Greer initiated a partnership between MoFo and the NYCUDL. Since May 2022, the firm has concentrated efforts to help judge and support debate tournaments in the South Bronx District 7—one of the most financially challenged districts in the nation.
Fifteen MoFo attorneys and business professionals volunteered as judges during the Cross-District Championship, and approximately 50 students were onsite during the tournament, accompanied by their coaches, teachers, and NYC Department of Education representatives from each of the four districts.
“Witnessing how our associates and business professionals juggled debate rounds with their work throughout the day was an inspiring demonstration of their commitment to the NYCUDL and their keen desire to engage in community service,” said David.
Learn more about the NYCUDL and its mission.