Lincoln Douglas Debates

Welcome to the Lincoln Douglas Debate Challenge

Lincoln Douglas, an activity modeled loosely on the famous debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas, encourages students to develop research, writing, and public speaking skills as they engage in some of the most important and contraversial topics of the day. Rather than the style used by the National Forensics League, IMPACT uses the 3 on 3 model developed originally locally by the New York City Department of Education and Manufacturer's Hanover Bank. The model was designed to meet the needs of NYC public school students.

THE WINNING TOPIC AREA FOR 2009-10 IS: GUN CONTROL

TOPIC CHOICES ARE AS FOLLOWS: (DECIDED AT THE KICKOFF EVENT)

Resolved: that regulations on the individual's right to bear arms in the United States are justified.

Resolved that the US undervalues an individual’s right to own and bear arms when balanced against the greater social needs of a society

CONGRATS TO THE 2008-09 CHAMPIONS

photo by Lidia Bardhi

SUPERSTAR DIVISION

TOTTENVILLE HS

RISING STAR DIVISION

GROVER CLEVELAND HS

THANKS TO OUR FINAL ROUND JUDGES

RON SHELP, FORMER AIG EXECUTIVE, AUTHOR

KEN LIPPER, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, CUSHMAN & WAKEFIELD

CAROL VAN ATTEN, CHARLES HAYDEN FOUNDATION

JOSH MARGULIES, NEW YORK UNIVERSITY

BARBARA LOPEZ , ENGLISH SPEAKING UNON OF NEW YORK

THE 2008-09 Lincoln Douglas topic is: Resolved that the US government bailouts of big business unjustly punish average Americans

Video created by IMPACT alumnus Amanda Wilson

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IMPACT'S DEBATERS FEATURED ON PBS"Women, Power and Politics: A Rising Tide?" WATCH CLIP

Use this website to check for upcoming events, to register for tournaments, locate sources for resource and to download guides to help you and your debaters prepare.

2007-08 CHAMPIONS

pictured Cardozo squad with coach Lee Karlin

courtesy of Queens Chronicle

BENJAMIN CARDOZO EXPERIENCED TIER

FRANCIS LEWIS INEXPERIENCED TIER