Regents' Cup | Arizona Board of Regents

Presented by

Tri-University

Competition!

April 12, 2025

Northern Arizona University

Regents' Cup is a tri-university speech and debate competition presented by the Arizona Board of Regents. Student orators attending Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University or the University of Arizona represent their university at this annual event in Oxford debate and Storytelling categories. The Regents' Cup honors participants for articulating different points of view in an environment where competitors remain civil and respectful.

2025 Regents' Cup Theme:

The Government and the People: The Social Contract

“Not only are free speech and civil discourse important components of a well-functioning democracy, but they’re also essential for reducing political polarization and avoiding a groupthink phenomenon.”
Ali Nikahd, ASU
“A society that values civil discourse and free speech can navigate its way through divisive issues more peacefully and cohesively.” –
Alicia Hall, U of A
“Erased words are erased knowledge, and knowledge and communication not only allow us to perceive the world but also to challenge the world’s injustices."
Autumn Kutsick, NAU
“In a society where citizens are not free to share their opinions or concerns, and where policymakers avoid conversations with those who hold opposing ideas, problems remain unsolved; social progress stalls; and divisions run deep.”
Kylie Heaton, ASU
“Being able to freely voice our opinions, being able to discuss what we truly believe and think, creates a society that is conversational, more connected and one that can make mistakes, discuss what went wrong and correct their ways to enhance society even further.”
Ciara Tetreault, U of A
“Open discourse is, and has always been, an engine of innovation and a matter of contention.”
Jacob Soulvie, U of A
“As Americans, we were given freedom of speech, not just to speak our minds, but to speak out against the travesties and injustices that many of us are facing.”
Misty Knight, U of A
“Free speech and civil discourse have been core tenets of our nation since the moment of its inception. Respectful discussion and introduction of new ideas has been what has allowed us to grow and flourish as a thriving republic.”
Chase DiBona, ASU
“There exists a fundamental right to freedom of speech, and that right is the key to the preservation of all others. Put plainly, it is the most important right, even ahead of the right to vote.”
Linus Ros, ASU
“Allowing all persons to share their opinion is essential in a democracy that seeks understanding and common ground regarding conflicting viewpoints.”
Omar Aljubouriy, ASU