Recent Speech & Debate Site News & Updates
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Spring 2026 LD topic released
The UIL LD Debate topic for Spring 2026 is officially released:
Spring 2026 LD Debate Topic
State Congressional Legislation
Legislation for all conferences is now posted.
- “Important Message: Additional legislation will be posted on each State docket so be sure to return to this webpage again for new bills and resolutions that will be debated at the State Meet. Dockets for State will have a total o 20 pieces of legislation — 10 for prelims and 10 for finals."
Fall 2025 LD Debate Topic
The 2025 Fall Lincoln Douglas topic is now posted.
Free CX Debate Workshops
UIL is excited to offer free Cross-Examination Debate coach training opportunities during the month of August. All workshops are 1 day and free.
Designed for teachers with little or no training in competitive debate, five workshops are planned at various sites, including in-person sessions at 4 locations:
- Region 12, Waco - August 8
- Rocksprings ISD - August 16
- Three Rivers HS - August 9
- Big Spring HS - August 16
A workshop via Zoom will also be offered on August 16, which requires pre-registration.
CX Debate challenges bright students to develop higher-order critical thinking skills and active problem solving, engage in deeper research experiences and strengthen communication skills in the realm of advocacy. Long-term, debate builds informed citizens, enhances career success, and creates life-long learners. School participation can add significant points to the academic district sweepstakes and provides the opportunity to advance debaters to a state championship.
For additional information, contact Jana Riggins, State Debate Director: jriggins@uiltexas.org | 512-471-5883
Five Debate Topic Choices Announced for 2026-27 National High School Policy Debate Topic
The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) has announced the five resolutions advancing to the final ballot for the 2026-27 National High School Policy Debate Topic, following deliberations at the annual NFHS Policy Debate Topic Selection Meeting held July 31-August 3 in Austin, Texas. Each year, the NFHS brings together educators, coaches, and state association representatives to evaluate, discuss and refine a list of proposed debate topics with the potential for national implementation. This year’s meeting focused on issues at the heart of domestic policy concerns, with these five topics emerging as finalists:
Speech State Meet Honor Crew
Do you wish to recognize and reward the dedicated work of students on your speech squad? Here’s an incredible opportunity!
The State Speech Honor Crew is designed for exemplary speech students who are not already involved in the Speech State Meet but who demonstrate outstanding qualities. The Honor Crew assists in administering the State Meet through chairing competition rounds, timekeeping and serving as monitors, providing an amazing learning opportunity.
It will be necessary for those selected to be in Austin from late afternoon Sunday, May 18, through Tuesday late afternoon, May 20 . Attendance at a training session on Sunday at 6 p.m. is required. Students must be nominated by their speech coach. Nominations should be based on academic and competitive excellence in your speech and debate program. Maturity is vital so upperclassmen will receive preferential selection.
Students nominated must be academically capable and eligible. Every effort will be made to select members from all regions and all conferences. Coaches may nominate more than one student. For additional information about the nomination process, click here.
UIL MS Debate
Do you have middle school students that want to learn about argumentation and debate?
Would you like to get a feeder program for CX Debate started in your middle school that could strengthen your high school program?
Are you interested in providing debate competition at your middle school invitational or district meet?
See the resources designed especially for UIL Middle School CX Debate!