Here is a summary of the debate events:
Debate: Debates are structured arguments or discussions with timed speeches. Students must prove their side of the issue within a given time frame and set of rules to guide the debate. Engaging discussion takes place as students cross-examine one another and a winner is determined based on the arguments presented.
Team Policy Debate: A two-on-two debate that focuses on a policy question for the academic year. This year’s resolution is:
Lincoln Douglas Debate: A one-on-one debate that centers on the weighing of values held by individuals, societies, and governments. Debaters develop arguments based on a value's perspective.
Parliamentary Debate: A two-on-two debate designed to engage the audience with advanced debate and speaking skills. Meant for older students and lasting only 45 minutes, students receive a current issue topic 20 minutes before the round. They prepare arguments that reflect general and specific knowledge they have acquired throughout their education. A sample resolution could be: This house believes that change is not progress.
Debate Resolutions for the 2024-2025 season:
Team Policy Resolution
Resolved: The United States Federal Government should substantially reform its policy on health care.
Lincoln Douglas Resolutions
Triple the Value: 1st Resolution debated 10/1/24 - 12/31/24
Resolved: The acquisition of knowledge is an intrinsic good.
The other two resolutions 2024-2025 competitive season resolutions are:
Resolved: Mandatory national service is justified.
Resolved: In U.S. law enforcement, accountability ought to be prioritized over effectiveness.
Parliamentary Debate Resolution
Resolutions change for each tournament and each round.