Lincoln-Douglas Debate

Lincoln-Douglas debate is a challenging forensic activity separate from both policy debate and individual events speech. Lincoln-Douglas debate, modeled after the historical debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas for the Illinois senate, is a one-on-one competition between students arguing issues of philosophy and political science. Every two months the National Forensic League announces a new topic, or 'resolution,' to be debated at tournaments nationwide. Past resolutions have dealt with the ethics of genetic testing, the conflict between human rights and national interest, and an adolescent's right to privacy.

The Elk Grove High School L-D team is only in its third year, but already it is among the best in the state of Illinois. In 1997 Elk Grove won the ISTA Novice State Championship and placed the alternate qualifier from Northern Illinois to the NFL National Championship.

Lincoln-Douglas debate teaches students a variety of skills useful in every aspect of college and professional life. Students research and synthesize difficult philosophical and political texts, prepare sophisticated persuasive cases, and master the art of impromptu analysis and public speaking. In addition, many colleges and universities look favorably on students who have participated in high school L-D debate.

Along with the speech team and policy debate, Elk Grove Lincoln-Douglas debate was selected as 1 of 10 schools nationwide to receive the Phillips Performance award for excellence, placing it in the top 1% of National Forensic League chapters nationwide. The L-D season runs almost the entire year, but team involvement is very flexible. Students may participate in other co-curricular activities and may join the team at any point in the season. Debaters and coaches meet several days after school, but few meetings are mandatory. Anyone interested should contact Mr. Love or Ms. Sayre.

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10/27/04 JEM 2:26 PM