Sponsors (20)
The resolution raises the profile of speech and debate—potentially boosting student skills and school engagement—while remaining symbolic, offering no funding, and risking the appearance of favoring one nonprofit.
Students — will gain and practice communication, critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration skills through expanded attention to speech and debate programs promoted by the observance.
Students and schools — a national observance will raise public awareness of speech and debate and encourage schools and districts to integrate these activities across grade levels and disciplines.
Teachers and coaches — receive public recognition for the time and effort spent running speech and debate programs, which can support program continuity and retention of advisors.
Students, teachers, and schools — the designation is largely symbolic and does not provide funding or direct programmatic support, so it may not alleviate resource or staffing constraints.
Nonprofits — singling out the National Speech & Debate Association may be perceived as favoring one organization over other groups that support similar activities.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Declares and encourages observance of a National Speech and Debate Education Day recognizing the educational benefits of speech and debate.
Official title: Designating March 7, 2025, as "National Speech and Debate Education Day".
Introduced February 21, 2025 by Charles Ernest Grassley · Last progress February 21, 2025
Declares and supports the establishment and observance of a National Speech and Debate Education Day to recognize the role of speech and debate education in teaching communication, public speaking, critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and civic skills. The resolution highlights the contributions of teachers, coaches, and the National Speech & Debate Association in promoting these skills across grade levels and learning settings.