III 

116TH CONGRESS 

2D SESSION S. RES. 520 

Designating March 6, 2020, as ‘‘National Speech and Debate Education 

Day’’. 

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES 

FEBRUARY 27, 2020 

Mr. GRASSLEY (for himself, Mr. COONS, Ms. ERNST, Ms. KLOBUCHAR, Mr. 

CRAPO, Mr. DURBIN, Mr. BRAUN, Mr. KING, Ms. WARREN, and Mr. 

COTTON) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and 

agreed to 

RESOLUTION 

Designating March 6, 2020, as ‘‘National Speech and Debate 

Education Day’’. 

Whereas it is essential for youth to learn and practice the art 

of communicating with and without technology; 

Whereas speech and debate education offers students myriad 

forms of public speaking through which students may develop talent and exercise unique voice and character; 

Whereas speech and debate education gives students the 

21st-century skills of communication, critical thinking, 

creativity, and collaboration; 

Whereas critical analysis and effective communication allow 

important ideas, texts, and philosophies the opportunity 

to flourish; 


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•SRES 520 ATS 

Whereas 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; 

Whereas students who participate in speech and debate have 

chosen a challenging activity that requires regular practice, dedication, and hard work; 

Whereas teachers and coaches of speech and debate devote 

in-school, afterschool, and weekend hours to equip students with life-changing skills and opportunities; 

Whereas National Speech and Debate Education Day emphasizes the lifelong impact of providing people of the United 

States with the confidence and preparation to both discern and share views; 

Whereas National Speech and Debate Education Day acknowledges that most achievements, celebrations, commemorations, and pivotal moments in modern history 

begin, end, or are crystallized with public address; 

Whereas National Speech and Debate Education Day recognizes that learning to research, construct, and present an 

argument is integral to personal advocacy, social movements, and the making of public policy; 

Whereas the National Speech & Debate Association, in conjunction with national and local partners, honors and 

celebrates the importance of speech and debate through 

National Speech and Debate Education Day; and 

Whereas National Speech and Debate Education Day emphasizes the importance of speech and debate education and 

the integration of speech and debate education across 

grade levels and disciplines: Now, therefore, be it 

1 Resolved, That the Senate— 


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•SRES 520 ATS 

1 (1) designates March 6, 2020, as ‘‘National 

2 Speech and Debate Education Day’’; 

3 (2) strongly affirms the purposes of National 

4 Speech and Debate Education Day; and 

5 (3) encourages educational institutions, busi6 nesses, community and civic associations, and all 

7 people of the United States to celebrate and promote 

8 National Speech and Debate Education Day. 

Æ 


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