1876–1890s — The Foundational Era of Oregon Forensics

The first era of Oregon Forensics stretched from the founding of the Laurean and Eutaxian Societies in 1876 through the late 1800s. This was a period of tremendous growth for both the university and its forensics tradition.

Forensics quickly became the beating heart of intellectual and social life on campus, engaging a large share of the student body — especially student leaders. The societies produced campus publications, maintained a library, and hosted some of the first organized debates in the nation.

Their influence reached far beyond campus. Many society members went on to become governors, mayors, and prominent leaders in industry and academia. All five members of the university’s first graduating class were active in the societies, and their names — along with those of their descendants — remain woven into the history of the region.

The debates of this era engaged the great issues of the day:

• Strikes are necessary to obtain the rights of working men
• The right of suffrage should be extended to women
• Senators should be elected by popular vote

From the very beginning, Oregon Forensics established three guiding principles:

1. Education is about engaging the world.
2. Students have a right to participate in college and society.
3. The practice of switch-side debating builds both intellectual flexibility and civic responsibility.

This foundational period ensured that forensics would always be central to the University of Oregon’s identity.