Coronavirus: Premier Debate Online 2020

Coronavirus Announcement

The coronavirus (COVID-19) is a global problem with severe ramifications accelerating by the day. Our sympathies are with everyone affected—especially those undergoing diagnosis and treatment and those suffering financially as a result.

Our mission to inspire excellence in debate requires that we first and always ensure the health and well-being of our students, faculty, and affiliates. Our camps, coaching, and online resources reach thousands around the country, so it is incumbent on us to play a constructive role in containing the spread of the coronavirus. We all must be vigilant.

To that end, we are taking several steps to protect the safety of our community:

• Premier Debate will be entirely online for Summer 2020.

Forcing students and faculty to decide between their health and attending debate camp is reckless and dangerous; it puts profit above people. Further, given present uncertainties, such as campuses closing around the country, no camp can be sure that its facilities will, in fact, be available and safe this summer. All Premier Debate activities—lectures, drills, practice debates, etc.—will be provided online, which we have successfully tested and implemented in our Winter Workshops and Coaching Program.

• Premier Debate is cancelling all travel sponsorship for students and coaches to in-person tournaments this spring, effective immediately.
• Premier Debate is suspending online merchandising, out of an abundance of caution, even if the risk of transmission by mailed objects is low.

We understand that this decision will affect coaches, students, and families affiliated with Premier, and we are proud to keep our commitments to all students and faculty. Anyone who has a summer job with us can elect to remain for the online program. All discounts or payments toward camp will be honored—students can choose whether to put that value toward the online program or receive a refund.

Some areas of the world are already seeing signs of recovery, and we are hopeful that our community and country can get through this as well. If you are at risk physically or mentally, please seek professional attention.

This is a dynamic situation. We will be monitoring it and updating you—our customers, friends, and affiliates—on any additional changes as things progress.

Thank you for supporting Premier Debate.

Download this announcement here.

Register for Premier Debate Online here.