The English-Speaking Union

Middle School Public Debate Program

MSPDP & HSPDP Topics Archive

2020-2021 Debate League Topics

MSPDP

  • The United States should implement a Universal Basic Income. (Varsity Only)
  • COVID vaccination should be mandatory .
  • Social Media does more harm than good

HSPDP

  • End deceptive police interrogation practices
  • President Biden should pardon Edward Snowden
  • United States military export arms sales do more good than harm.
  • Animals should have standing to sue.

2018-2019

NEW YORK DEBATE LEAGUE TOPICS
  • Ban homework.
  • Voting in federal elections should be mandatory.
  • The United States should retaliate with military force against cyberattacks.
  • Industrially developed countries have a responsibility to accept climate refugees.
  • John Brown was morally justified.
  • Legalize steroids in sports.
  • DeBlasio's specialized high school admittance plan would do more good than harm.
  • Websites should be held responsible for user created data that they host.
  • New York City should open supervised injection sites.
  • The US should substantially increase funding for space exploration.
  • Implement open borders.
  • Ban animal dissection in schools.
  • Art should be considered separately from the artist.
  • Expand Social Security to provide an adequate retirement.
  • The US President should serve a single 6-year term.
  • Facial recognition technology does more harm than good.
  • Eliminate farm subsidies!
  • The First Amendment should not protect lying in campaigns and elections.
JERSEY SHORE DEBATE LEAGUE & GARDEN STATE DEBATE LEAGUE TOPICS
  • Supreme Court Justices should be appointed for life.
  • Elon Musk's Underground Tunnel Transit System is good for America.
  • The North Bergen Liberty Generating facility causes more harm than good.
  • The United States of America should establish a Space Force.
  • Police officers should wear body cameras.
  • Ban homework.
  • Social media is good for democracy.
  • Banning plastic straws causes more harm than good.
  • Lower the voting age to 16.
  • Ban the sale of E-cigarettes.
  • The US should not sell weapons to Saudi Arabia.
  • College athletes should be paid.
  • Tracking apps cause more harm than good.
  • Election Day should be a Federal Holiday.
  • The United States should not interfere in the domestic affairs of Venezuela.
  • Electric cars cause more good than harm.
  • New Jersey beaches should not be free to the public.
NATION'S CAPITAL DEBATE LEAGUE TOPICS
  • Social media is good for democracy.
  • Make Washington, D.C. the 51st state.
  • Banning plastic straws causes more harm than good.
  • The U.S. Constitution allows the president to be indicted for an alleged crime.
  • Police officers should wear body cameras.
  • The Senate should be abolished.
  • The DMV metro area should solve traffic primarily through mass transit.
  • Homework does more harm than good.

2017-2018

East Coast Championship Topics
  • Ban the practice of requiring job applicants to disclose their criminal history.
  • The US should adopt a universal guaranteed annual income.
  • Reptiles should not be kept as pets.
  • Credit card companies should not process sales of firearms.
  • The Olympic Games should include E-sports.
  • A nuclear attack on North Korea should be "off the table."
New York Debate League Topics
  • Middle school students should wear uniforms.
  • Puerto Rico should become an independent and sovereign state.
  • Bill de Blasio is good for New York City.
  • Talking on the phone is better than texting.
  • New York City should ban single-use plastic bags.
  • Abolish the penny.
  • Americans should be required to provide one year of national service.
  • Amazon is good for society.
Jersey Shore Debate League & Garden State Debate League Topics
  • Columbus Day should not be a federal holiday.
  • Later school start times cause more harm than good.
  • Ending net neutrality is good for America.
  • School uniforms do more good than harm.
  • Catalonia should become an independent country.
  • The federal government should NOT withhold funds for sanctuary cities.
  • End PARCC testing in New Jersey.
  • Amazon is good for society.
  • Americans should be required to complete one year of national service.
  • Banning Russia from the 2018 Winter Olympics was the wrong decision.
  • Virtual reality technology does more harm than good.
  • Animal testing is unethical.
  • The federal government should not withhold funds for sanctuary cities.
Nation's capital Debate League Topics
  • Ending net neutrality is good for America.
  • Students should be allowed to film/record their instructors without permission.
  • Expansion of section 8 vouchers does more good than harm.
  • The federal government should withhold funds for sanctuary cities.
  • Urban renewal programs benefit city residents.
  • School uniforms benefit students.
  • Gerrymandered Congressional districts do more good than harm.
  • Cryptocurrencies do more good than ham.
  • The current proposal for a mixed-use development should be built on the McMillian Sand Filtration Site in Washington, DC (debate both sides of this topic).

2016-2017

Jersey Shore Debate LEague & Garden State Debate League Topics
  • Build the Dakota Access Pipeline
  • The US should not establish a colony on Mars.
  • The Trans-Pacific Partnership is good for America
  • Self-driving cars do more good than harm.
  • Surveillance measures by the US government are warranted.
  • Energy drinks cause more HARM than good. 
  • The invention of gunpowder did more GOOD than harm.
  • Ban killer robots!
  • The United States should not abolish the Electoral College.
  • Voter ID laws cause more good than harm.
  • Hosting the Olympic games is worth the cost.
  • Ban big game hunting.
  • A free press is more important than national security.
  • Zoos do more harm than good. 
  • Ban alcohol advertising.
  • Public colleges and universities should be tuition-free.
New york DEBATE LEAGUE TOPICS
  • School uniforms should be mandatory in all K-8 schools.
  • Globalization does more harm than good.
  • The United States should provide undocumented immigrants a pathway to citizenship.
  • Prohibit the privatization of water.
  • Public schools should be permitted to hold religiously affiliated celebrations.
  • Globalization does more harm than good.
  • Pokemon Go does more good than harm.
  • US should halt construction of new oil pipelines.
  • Native Americans should have sovereign rights over natural resources found on their land.
  • Restore Pluto's planetary status!
  • Congress should significantly increase the number of justices on the US Supreme Court.
  • New York City should remain a sanctuary city.
  • Gentrification does more harm than good.
  • Provide free childcare to teenage parents.
  • Ban advertisements for alcohol.
NATION's Capital DEBATE LEAGUE TOPICS
  • The government should regulate prescription drug prices.
  • Public colleges and universities should be tuition free.
  • The electoral college should be abolished.
  • Abolish the penny.
  • Western governments have a moral obligation to resettle refugees. 
  • US Representatives and Senators should have term limits.
  • The Affordable Care Act has done more good than harm.
  • Self-driving cars are a public safety hazard.
  • Moral obligations precede considerations of consequences.
  • Schools should commence later in the day.
  • Internet companies should regulate news sources on their sites.
  • Labels should be required for GMO foods.
  • The President's executive order on immigration is unconstitutional.
  • The Dakota Access Pipeline does more good than harm.
  • The Metro should solve its budget shortfall through increased fares for riders.
  • It is morally acceptable to experiment on animals for medical purposes.
  • Polystyrene products should be banned.
  • Activists should focus on policy changes over protests to achieve their goals.
  • A Constitutional Convention will do more good than harm.
  • NATO is not obsolete.

2015-2016

GARDEN STATE DEBATE LEAGUE TOPICS:
  • The US should adopt stricter gun control laws.
  • All U.S. Presidential primaries should be held on the same day.
  • Ban organized tackle football leagues for children under the age of 14.
  • Sea World causes more harm than good.
  • Abolish the penny.
  • The Federal government has failed in rebuilding the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina.
  • European nations should be required to accept refugees from Africa and the Middle East.
  • Cigarettes should be illegal.
  • Hamilton should remain on the $10 bill.
  • Texting does more harm than good.
  • Daily fantasy sports should not be considered illegal gambling.
  • No space explorations should be permitted without showing that it will not harm extraterrestrial microbial life. 
  • Reality TV shows do more harm than good.
  • Homework should be banned.
  • The Paris Climate Accord is bad for the developing world.
  • The United States should have more than two political parties.
JERSEY SHORE DEBATE LEAGUE TOPICS:
  • The 2nd Amendment should be repealed.
  • Reality TV shows do more harm than good.
  • All U.S. Presidential primaries should be held on the same day.
  • Elite professional athletes are overpaid.
  • Abolish the penny.
  • The federal government has failed in rebuilding the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina.
  • European nations should be required to accept refugees from Syria. 
  • New Jersey should end the bear hunt.
  • Social media causes more harm than good.
  • The voting age in the United States should be lowered to 16 years of age.
  • Genetically modified foods cause more good than harm.
  • The benefits of interscholastic sports for K-12 students in the U.S. outweigh the harms.
  • The Paris Climate Accord is bad for the developing world.
  • Alexander Hamilton should remain on the $10 bill.
  • Video games cause more harm than good.
  • No space explorations should be permitted without showing that it will not harm extraterrestrial microbial life. 

Nation's Capital Debate League:

  • US Supreme Court justices should have term limits.
  • The discoverer of an abandoned shipwreck should have title to its artifacts.
  • Illegal immigrant parents with legal US citizen children should not be deported.
  • No space explorations should be permitted without showing that it will not harm extraterrestrial microbial life.
  • Affirmative action should factor into admissions decisions for public universities.
  • Arts education should be compulsory.
  • Texting does more harm than good.
  •  Ridesharingservicesshouldberegulated as taxis.

NEW YORK DEBATE LEAGUE TOPICS:

  • The US should establish a no-fly zone in Syria.
  • The US should have compulsory voting in general elections.
  • Schools should require cameras in classrooms. 
  • Justice Antonin Scalia's Supreme Court career did more good than harm.
  • Scientists should use cloning technology to resurrect animals made extinct by humans.
  • The US should adopt the metric system.
  • Ban homework.
  • Ban the public display of Confederate symbols.
  • Tablets should replace textbooks in schools.
  • Animal testing does more good than harm.
  • Developed nations have a moral obligation to accept refugees.
  • Legalize the sale of human organs.
  • Halt trade with nations that practice child labor.
  • No space explorations should be permitted without showing that it will not harm extraterrestrial microbial life.
  • Ban Beauty Pageants.
  • Developed nations have a moral obligation to accept refugees.
  • The 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change is bad for the developing world.
  • Repeal the 2nd Amendment.
  • Social media does more harm than good.

2014-2015

GARDEN STATE DEBATE LEAGUE TOPICS:
  • Giving an allowance to children does more harm than good.
  • The United States should move forward to establish relations with Cuba.
  • Repeal the 22nd Amendment to the US Constitution.
  • It is unjust to have the Dzhokhar Tsarnaev trial in Boston.
  • New Jersey's red-light camera program should be extended.
  • Lotteries cause more harm than good.
  • Torture is justified for National security.
  • China should allow Hong Kong to have democratic elections.
  • Persons with a felony conviction should not be allowed to vote.
  • College athletes should be paid.
  • Factory farming does more harm than good.
  • Massive online open courses (MOOCs) do more good than harm.
  • The Common Core does more good than harm.
  • Columbus Day should not be a federal holiday.
  • Tablets should replace textbooks in schools.
  • Ban single-use shopping bags.
  • Disney movies cause more harm than good.
  • Police officers should wear body cameras.
  • South Jersey Gas should be allowed to build a pipeline through the Pinelands.
  • Ban air travel from West Africa
NEW YORK DEBATE LEAGUE TOPICS:
  • Community college should be free.
  • The media should show the horrors of war.
  • Abolish midterm elections.
  • Internet users have a right to be forgotten.
  • Uber does more harm than good.
  • College athletes should be paid.
  • Cultural treasures should be returned to their countries of origin. 
  • Restore voting rights to ex-felons.
  • Suspend MTA Fare Increases in NYC.
  • Factory farming does more harm than good.  
  • All middle schools should require uniforms.
  • Wikipedia does more harm than good.
  • Media Coverage of Ebola does more harm than good.
  • Ban the use of digitally enhanced images of women in advertising.
  • Police officers should wear body cameras.
2013-14
Garden state debate league topics:
  • Television is a bad influence.
  • Zoos do more harm than good. 
  • Schools should eliminate letter grades.
  • The US should pardon Edward Snowden.
  • The United States should not seek involvement in the Syrian Civil War.
  • Eliminate the teaching of cursive handwriting.
  • The Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 causes more harm than good.
  • Chris Christie is good for New Jersey.
  • The atomic bombing of Japan was justified.
  • Single sex schools are good for K-12 students.
  • Raising the minimum wage causes more harm than good.
  • Surveillance measures used by the US government are warranted.
  • Ukraine should join the European Union.
  • Delay Obamacare.
  • Immunizations should not be mandated.
  • Walmart is good for society.
New york debate league topics:
  • Domestic surveillance by NSA does more good than harm.
  • NYC should establish universal pre-K.
  • Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs) do more good than harm.
  • Colleges and universities should divest their fossil fuel company holdings. 
  • The US War on Poverty is a failure. 
  • All Middle Schools should require uniforms.
  • US Public Schools should be in session year round.
  • State mandated administration of childhood vaccines is justified.
  • State lotteries do more harm than good.
  • The US should have compulsory military service.
  • New York should legalize physician assisted suicide.
  • All states should adopt the Common Core.
  • The United States should establish a living wage for its workers.
  • Stand your ground laws do more harm than good.
  • Ban tipping.
  • Texting does more harm than good.
  • The FDA should ban the domestic sale of foods that include GMO's.
  • Violence is a justified response to oppression.
  • Youth contact sports do more harm than good.
  • Remove smoking regulations on the use of e-cigarettes
  • Ban unpaid internships.
  • Abolish the penny.
Big apple debate league topics:
  • Disney movies do more harm than good.
  • NYC should establish universal Pre-K.
  • Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs) do more good than harm.
  • The US should pardon Edward Snowden.
  • US Public Schools should be in session year round.
  • State mandated administration of childhood vaccines is justified.
  • State lotteries do more harm than good.
  • The US should have compulsory military service. 
  • New York should legalize physician assisted suicide.
  • All states should adopt the Common Core.
  • The United States should establish a living wage for its workers.
  • Stand your ground laws do more harm than good.
  • Ban tipping.
  • Texting does more harm than good.
  • The FDA should ban the domestic sale of foods that include GMO's
  • Violence is a justified response to oppression.
  • Youth contact sports do more harm than good.
  • Remove smoking regulations on the use of e-cigarettes
  • Ban unpaid internships.
  • Abolish the penny.

2012-13

Garden State Debate League TOpics:
  • The United States should establish a living wage for its workers.
  • The US Postal Service should continue Saturday mail deliveries.
  • Facebook causes more harm than good.
  • Stop-and-frisk does more good than harm.
  • Wrestling should not be an Olympic sport.
  • The United States should not abolish the Electoral College.
  • Voter ID laws cause more good than harm.
  • Students should have 30 minutes of exercise every day in school.
  • End Daylight Savings time.
  • Bottled water causes more harm than good.
  • Ban energy drinks.
  • FEMA's responsibilities should be handed over to the states.
  • The caste system was good for Indian Society.
  • Wikipedia does more good than harm.
  • The United States should not expand drilling for oil off the East Coast.
  • NJ drivers should be able to pump their own gas.
  • Video games cause more harm than good.
  • Students should not have to pay to participate in extra-curricular activities.
  • The US should guarantee a free college education to all citizens.
  • The Olympic Games do more good than harm.
New York Debate League topics:
  • Facebook should not allow members under 18
  • The Electoral College should be abolished
  • New York City should not build sea barriers
  • Ban plastic shopping bags
  • The U.S. Space Program should be privatized
  • Unisex middle schools are superior to co-ed middle schools.  
  • Repeal the 16 oz. soda limit in New York City. 
  • Handguns should be illegal. 
  • US policy should favor stability over democracy in the Middle East.  
  • The Obama administration should approve the Keystone pipeline. 
  • The student body of the NYC public specialized high schools should reflect the demographics of New York City.
  • Ban violent video games.
  • Right to Work laws do more good than harm.
  • Offshore drilling is good for the United States.
  • The use of Predator drones should be subject to greater Congressional oversight.
  • Immigration reform should include a path to citizenship.
  • NYC should invest in additional bike lanes.
  • The international community should ban nuclear-powered spacecraft.
  • Stop-and-frisk does more good than harm.
  • Wrestling should not be an Olympic sport.
  • Human genome sequencing does more harm than good.
  • Mayor Bloomberg is good for NYC.
  • Ban Energy Drinks.
  • The US Senate should abolish the filibuster.
  • The FDA should increase the frequency with which they inspect meat.

2011-12

Garden State Debate League Topics:
  • Television is a bad influence.
  • Homework does more harm than good.
  • Chris Christie is good for New Jersey.
  • The United States should significantly expand its use of nuclear power.
  • NATO should withdraw from Afghanistan.
  • Schools should be peanut free.
  • New Jersey's bullying laws do more harm than good.
  • The United States should increase its use of solar power.
  • The European Union should drop the euro.
  • The Occupy Wall Street movement is good for America.
  • 16 year olds should be allowed to vote.
  • School uniforms do more good than harm.
  • New Jersey should end the bear hunt.
  • Close the Guantanamo Bay prison.
  • Soccer players should be required to wear helmets.
  • Tax increases are good for America.
  • New Jersey beaches should not be free to the public.
  • There should be year-round schooling for students.
  • The United States should not send humans into space.
  • Abolish the penny.
  • Standardized testing causes more harm than good.
  • Animal testing is unethical.
  • Military service should be mandatory in the United States.
  • Eliminate the designated hitter in professional baseball.
New York Debate League Topics:
  • Television is a bad influence.
  • Homework does more harm than good.
  • Andrew Cuomo is good for New York.
  • The United States should significantly expand its use of nuclear power.
  • NATO should withdraw from Afghanistan.
  • Occupy Wall Street!
  • Schools should be peanut free.
  • The European Union should drop the Euro.
  • Hydrofracking does more harm than good.
  • The US should lower the voting age to 16. 
  • School uniforms do more good than harm.
  • Soccer players should be required to wear helmets.
  • NYC should adopt congestion pricing for vehicles traveling in Manhattan's central business district.
  • The US should substantially restrict corporate campaign contributions.
  • Close the Guantanamo Bay prison.
  • States should require drug tests to receive welfare benefits.
  • Tax increases are good for America.Teacher evaluations should not be made public.
  • The US should establish a national DNA database of all residents.
  • The Endangered Species Act should no longer include exemptions for subsistence or traditional use.
  • The government should restrict free speech during national emergencies.