NPDL programming is now active within the Connecticut state prison system! On October 10th, we welcomed a talented team from CT-DOC’s York Correctional Institution into the league! The ladies of York are now the second full women’s team to enter the NPDL after the strong team of remarkable ladies from the  Women’s Center in Maine made their impressive debut this past Spring against Harvard University on the topic of gender pay equity.

NPDL volunteer coach Joe Schatz, who serves as the Director of Speech & Debate at Binghamton University, is working alongside NPDL Assistant Director Brittany LaMarr to facilitate our weekly training sessions with the team. The debate topic for this cohort will be “Resolved: The United States should adopt a no-first use nuclear posture” and their opponents will be Cornell University.

We’re also looking forward to the addition of another new team to the league as a men’s team from the unique TRUE Program Unit located within Cheshire Correctional Institute will be joining the movement on November 7th. Stay tuned for updates on these efforts and more!