The English-Speaking Union

Education Programs

Public Debates

The Great National Security Debate

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The ESU Middle School Debate Leagues capped off a successful third year with a Public Debate in New York City and a National Championship Tournament at Claremont McKenna College. During "The Great National Security Debate", students discussed the proposition, "In the case of the United States government, transparency is more important than security".

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The Printed Book Debate

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Celebrating the second year of the New York Debate League, sponsored by the ESU, two teams of middle school students debated the proposition: "We should welcome the end of the printed book" on June 15 at the Morgan Library & Museum.  The teams were comprised of three students from Hunter High College Community Schools in New York City and three students from the Hackley School in Tarrytown.

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The Great Churchill Debate

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On June 16th at the Morgan Library in New York City, middle school students from the New York Debate League came together to honor Winston Churchill and the power of the English language.  Inspired by the words of Churchill, six students from the British International School of New York (New York City) and the Hackley School (Tarrytown, NY) participated in a public debate on the topic:  The government should restrict free speech during national emergencies. 

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