Important Role of Speech and Debate

“Personal, professional, and civic interactions are enhanced by the ability of the participants in those interactions to listen, concur, question, and dissent with reason and compassion.” This recognition is part of the text of a resolution I joined in introducing to recognize the important role of speech and debate in refining students’ communication skills and advancing productive discussions.

I competed in speech and debate in high school and have benefited from the early introduction of the important lessons I learned from this creative and useful outlet. I joined a bipartisan group of 14 Senate colleagues, led by Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), in introducing S.Res. 530 to designate “National Speech and Debate Education Day” in March. Similar to a resolution I backed in past years, and the U.S. Senate passed, this resolution includes the following recognitions:

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