Debate
What is Debate?
In high school debate, students across the United States research and argue both sides of a topic of vital political significance, persuading a judge to vote in favor of or against that resolution through high-quality evidence, rhetoric, and analysis. Debate is competition and debate is community. Debate is the best friends and debate is the rival team. Debate is "I came here to win" and debate is "my voice will no longer go unheard." Debate is the early morning and debate is the final round. Debate is learning for winning and debate is learning from losing.
2018 - 2019 Debate Topics
- LD January/February: Resolved: The United States ought not provide military aid to authoritarian regimes.
- PF February: Resolved: The United States should end its arms sales to Saudi Arabia.
- PF March Topic Area: Housing
- CX: Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially reduce its restrictions on legal immigration to the United States.
In LD debate, students must navigate the intersection of law, philosophy, ethics, and morality in order to develop nuanced arguments about a particular political or social issue. These discussions often reference various ideological systems and what just governments ought to do. Lincoln-Douglas debate is ideal for the student-philosopher or the critical thinker. Debaters compete individually against one another.
PF debaters research and discuss a current policy issue, demonstrating in-depth knowledge of both sides of the controversy. Arguments often concern the U.S. economy, our relations with other countries, national security, and other contemporary political themes. Public forum debate is best for the student who loves current events and political persuasion. Debaters compete in teams of two.
A CX debater proposes or negates a specific policy plan under the resolution. Debaters spend all year debating one topic and accumulating an immense stockpile of evidence to deploy against the variety of possible plans. CX debate is known for rapid and intense speaking and a wide diversity of acceptable arguments (anything from Marxist critical pedagogy to global nuclear annihilation). Cross-examination is best for those who love logic, evidence, and reasoning. Debaters compete in teams of two.
Congressional Debate (Congress)
With a docket full of potential legislation, debaters prepare to support or oppose various measures while modeling the deliberative space of the United States House and Senate. This is an excellent event for those who have political opinions they want to share or those who enjoy the speech aspects of forensics as well.