2016–2017
Topics
Current topics, voting links, and resources available at:
www.speechanddebate.org/topics Member students and one chapter advisor per school are eligible to vote!
Topic Release Information
DECEMBER 2016
Public Forum Topic Release Dates
Public Forum Debate
The PF Wording Committee chooses a number of debate topics at its summer meeting. These areas are then used throughout the school year. During the last week of the month (or seven days prior to the topic release date), chapter advisors and member students may vote for one resolution to be used as the next PF topic. If you would like to submit a PF topic area for consideration, please submit by June 1 for the following school year by visiting www.speechanddebate.org/topics.
Resolved: The United States should end Plan Colombia.
October 1 November 1 December 1 January 1 February 1 March 1 May 1 June 23 June 23 Aug 1 - Aug 7 August 8
November PF Topic December PF Topic January PF Topic February PF Topic March PF Topic April PF Topic National Tournament PF Topic List of Potential PF Topic Areas Announced for 2017-2018 2017 September/October PF Ballot Announced Voting for the 2017 September/October PF Topic Occurs 2017 September/October PF Topic Announced
Lincoln-Douglas Topic Release Dates From August 1 through September 11, chapter advisors and member students may vote online for a new slate of LD topics chosen by the LD Wording Committee at its summer meeting. The September/October LD topic (voted on the previous fall) is announced August 8. If you would like to submit an LD resolution for consideration, please submit by June 1 for the following school year by visiting www.speechanddebate.org/topics.
October 1 December 1 February 1 May 1 June 23 Aug 1 - Sept 11 August 8
November/December LD Topic January/February LD Topic March/April LD Topic National Tournament LD Topic List of Potential LD Topics Announced for 2017-2018 Voting for the 2017-2018 LD Topics Occurs 2017 September/October LD Topic Announced
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016
Lincoln-Douglas Debate
Resolved: The United States ought to limit qualified immunity for police officers.
The NSDA also suggests a separate LD resolution that may be used during the first two months of a novice season. Coaches are encouraged to check with tournament hosts in their area before exclusively prepping for one topic over another.
2016–2017
Policy Debate
Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially increase its economic and/or diplomatic engagement with the People’s Republic of China.
2017–2018 Policy Debate Topic Voting The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) handles selection of the annual Policy Debate topic where each state organization, the National Speech & Debate Association, the National Catholic Forensic League, and the National Debate Coaches Association all have voting privileges.
• • • •
Topic synopsis printed in Summer issue of Rostrum Preliminary voting occurs online in September-October Final voting occurs online in November-December Topic for 2017-2018 released by the NFHS in January 2017
2016–2017
Big Questions Debates
Resolved: Science leaves no room for free will.
Rostrum | FALL 2016 5