March 16, 2020

Dear IPPF Participants,
 
Over the past several weeks, the situation surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19) has evolved.
 
We have been monitoring the situation abroad, in the United States, and, more specifically, in New York City. We have been following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and New York officials in order to inform our decisions and ensure we act in the best interests of our student debaters and IPPF supporters. As you may know, the CDC has recommended the cancellation of any gatherings of 50 or more people for the next eight weeks.
 
At the direction of the CDC and NYC health officials, we have reluctantly decided to cancel this year’s IPPF Finals, planned for April 25 in New York City. We regret the need for this announcement, particularly for our student debaters. An IPPF executive committee is currently considering options for the remainder of the contest. Of course, we are committed to recognizing the contributions and outstanding achievement of our final eight (8) teams. (Please refer to update below.)
 
Please know that we did not reach this decision lightly. We were ultimately guided by our responsibility to help ensure the safety and well-being of our students, coaches, and supporters.
 
We want to thank our coaches, students, and parents for their understanding, and for their continued support and partnership. We also want to recognize New York Times immigration reporter Caitlin Dickerson, who was scheduled to join our Finals proceedings as a judge and keynote speaker.
 
We hope all of you will join us for the 2020–21 contest, when we celebrate our 20th anniversary. As you may have heard, you can help play a role in determining the topic for next year's contest. For the first time, we are inviting our IPPF coaches, students and supporters to vote for the resolution. To cast a ballot, please visit this page. The winning resolution will be announced online on April 25, 2020.
 
On behalf of the Brewer Foundation and NYU, we hope you all stay safe and healthy. Thank you for your ongoing support and understanding. 
 
Sincerely,
 
Andrea Sadberry

Executive Director
International Public Policy Forum
Brewer Foundation
 
Will Baker
New York University

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UPDATE:

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March 19, 2020

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Elite 8 Teams: 
 
As you are all aware, in light of the evolving situation regarding coronavirus (COVID-19), we have cancelled this year’s International Public Policy Forum (IPPF) Finals, planned for April 25 in New York City. 
 
This week, an IPPF Executive Committee convened to consider options for the remainder of the contest. Unfortunately, we have concluded that we must suspend the remainder of the 2019-20 competition.
 
Please know that we considered several options, but are ultimately guided by the severity of the situation and the need to ensure the safety and well-being of our students, coaches and judges.
 
In recognition of the achievements of our Elite 8 teams, we have decided to evenly distribute this year's prize and scholarship money. Each team will be awarded $2,500 –  $1,000 of which will be allocated to the school's debate program and $1,500 of which will be divided amongst the individual team members in support of their debate activities or educational pursuits. Each of the Elite 8 teams will also be awarded a plaque and individual medals. 

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It pains us that we will not be able to celebrate each of you in person, but we remain grateful for your understanding and continued support. 
 
Our thoughts are with you during this challenging time.
 
Sincerely,
 
Andrea Sadberry

Executive Director
International Public Policy Forum
Brewer Foundation

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