Public Affairs

CDDA is a non-partisan organization at Gallaudet University committed to developing healthy democratic skills and habits of deaf individuals by fostering disagreement, debate, and civic engagement through American Sign Language and English. Students can get involved and join in debates.

Gallaudet Debate Team

Professor Brendan Sterns serves as a coach for the ground-breaking Gallaudet Debate team. Gallaudet students debate important issues of the day against teams from other prestigious universities.

Public Affairs students will also find ample opportunities within the GU community to facilitate their learning and grow their knowledge base. Students may participate in extracurricular activities, run for the student body government, or take advantage of one of the many sponsored events.

Mock Trial Program

Up to a dozen students are selected to compete in an intensive semester-long experience in a Government Mock Trial course. They join a team coached by a lawyer and prepare a hypothetical case. The two teams then question witnesses in a day-long trial and make arguments to a student jury before a trial judge or lawyer acting as a judge.

Travel/Study Courses

Public Affairs students can join travel/study courses where they visit important historical and political sites and learn about different cultures and ideas. These courses combine classroom time with group and individual experiences that enhance the opportunity to learn.

Past courses have gone to Williamsburg Va., Philadelphia, and South Carolina. In 2008, our students attended the Democratic Convention and the 2009 Presidential Inauguration through courses offered through the Department.

Pre-Law Advising

Students interested in attending law school have several resources available to them including pre-law texts and meetings with pre-law advisors. Students can also attend events and lectures that cover law school admission and various legal topics.

Additional Activities

Public Affairs programs sponsor other activities for students including:

• Voter Registration Drives
• Constitution Day activities
• Speakers.
• Movies.