Recent Speech & Debate Site News & Updates
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An Overview of the Fall 2024 Lincoln Douglas Debate Resolution
Whether we reside in rural or urban areas, the necessity for food is universal, making the Fall UIL topic a crucial exploration of American agricultural practices and their effects on both human and animal welfare. This topic invites a values-based analysis, encompassing environmental justice, the ethical provision of food, the protection of quality of life, and animal rights, among others. A fundamental step in addressing this topic is to define “agroecology.” According to the Soil Association, a UK-based organization advocating for alternatives to industrial farming, “Agroecology is an umbrella term that covers lots of agricultural practices that you may be more familiar with, like organic, biodynamic or permaculture. Organic farming is a form of agroecological farming. All organic farmers are required to meet a strict set of standards. These standards guarantee higher animal welfare, fewer pesticides and antibiotics and no GMOs [genetically-modified organisms]. Organic practices also support more jobs on farms, healthy soil and more on-farm” (https://www.soilassociation.org/causes-campaigns/a-ten-year-transition-to-agroecology/what-is-agroecology/). Therefore, affirmative cases are likely to emphasize the health benefits of rejecting GMOs, the promotion of animal welfare by opposing confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs), or environmental protection through the reduced use of pesticides and herbicides. Conversely, negative cases may argue that industrialized agriculture is essential for feeding a growing global population, that intensive farming methods protect the environment by producing more food on less land, or that well-regulated CAFOs can effectively balance animal welfare with minimal environmental disruption.
Managing Your District Meet: For CX Meet Directors
CX Speechwire Registration
Registration for CX in Speechwire is now open.
Welcome to the 2023-2024 season of Speech and Debate
Welcome to a new exciting season of Texas UIL speech and debate competition! As educators, some of the most rewarding experiences you will have this year will be with your speech team at forensic tournaments. Whether you are new to coaching speech or are a decades-long veteran of the speech community, we are here to provide resources to support your competitive endeavors and unforgettable championship tournaments.
Remember: It’s the journey, not the destination that will enrich the lives of you and your students.
UIL provides an individual webpage for each of the speaking contests that includes rules, procedures, and a wealth of resources. There is also a newly-updated complimentary digital handbook for each event designed to provide expanded discussion, rule clarification, coaching strategies, links to UIL training videos and curriculum.
Important Links to CX Debate State Meet Information
CX Debate
Potential CX Debate topics for 2023-24 advancing to the final ballot are Economic Inequality and Climate Change. Coaches can access details about each of these topic areas and the wording of each resolution at this link:
https://www.uiltexas.org/files/academics/speech/23-24_final_topic_ballot_%28UPDATED%29.pdf
Coaches of schools who compete in Policy Debate are encouraged to submit their vote. Deadline is December 20.
Top 5 CX Debate Resolutions on the Ballot
The National Debate Topic Selection Meeting was held in Kansas City this month and after 13 topic reports were presented and thoroughly discussed by 64 delegates, 5 resolutions were selected to be placed on a national ballot to become next year’s policy debate topic. Here is the announcement of those topics.
https://www.nfhs.org/articles/five-suggested-debate-topics-for-2023-24/
Take the opportunity to examine the topic reports and discuss each of these potential resolutions with your students. The UIL State Office will be sending out a ballot for you to rank the 5 soon.