Student debate society hosting weekly debates and casual discussions with political figures for students of all political views.
- Joining
- ApplicationFirst-years eligible
- When
- Usually recruits in fall and spring
About
The Harvard Political Union (HPU) is the center for debate on campus. The oldest collegiate debate society in the nation, HPU brings together students from diverse viewpoints and backgrounds in order to facilitate dynamic discussions on all things politics. Our aim is to cultivate a culture of respectful, factual, and productive civic discourse on campus between people of all backgrounds and political persuasions.
How to join
- Application — A written application, often followed by interviews.
What they do
- Union Debates
- Weekly Cambridge Debates
- Pizza and Politics casual discussions with political figures
Mission, in their words
To cultivate a culture of respectful, factual, and productive civic discourse on campus between people of all backgrounds and political persuasions.
In the news
- Politics and Protests Rock the Start of Fall SemesterThe Harvard IndependentSep 7, 2017
- Debate Reveals DivideThe Harvard IndependentOct 31, 2016
- Harvard Debates the US EconomyHarvard Political ReviewOct 31, 2011
- Solving the ROTC Problem: March the Middle PathHarvard Political ReviewFeb 17, 2011
More links
- IOP program pageHarvard directory
Sources
- Harvard Political Union (HPU) | The Institute of Politics at Harvard UniversityHarvard page · seen Oct 29, 2026
- Programs | The Institute of Politics at Harvard UniversityHarvard page · seen Oct 12, 2026
- Debate Reveals Divide | Harvard IndependentHarvard-related site · seen Sep 30, 2026
- Solving the ROTC Problem: March the Middle Path - Harvard Political ReviewHarvard-related site · seen Sep 30, 2026
- Harvard Debates the US Economy - Harvard Political ReviewHarvard-related site · seen Sep 30, 2026
- Politics and Protests Rock the Start of Fall Semester | Harvard IndependentHarvard-related site · seen Sep 30, 2026
- Instagram: @harvard_political_unionSocial account · seen Oct 5, 2026
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