Debate

This year's Topic: The United States federal government should substantially increase its security cooperation with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in one or more of the following areas: artificial intelligence, biotechnology, cybersecurity.

Interested in joining Debate?
Contact Dr. McFarland or Mr. Lingel

Debate

As we navigate the expanded availability of information and disinformation, competitive debate provides an important pedagogical tool for cultivating research and advocacy skills. Argumentation with  evidence, fundamental to debate, is a cornerstone of a thriving democracy. Debate requires mastery of argument across many disciplines, including politics, law, social justice, philosophy, health and economics.

Jesuit debaters engage in  high level conversations in these areas, enhancing their cultural and political competence. The skills cultivated in debate are highly sought by college admissions counselors and employers, and Jesuit Dallas Debate Team has long been among the state and national leaders in advancing excellence in those skills.  

Tradition/History FAQs

Why Join?

If you like to argue and research and strategize and persuade, debate is an excellent home!  

  • Form Lifelong Skills
    You develop argument, persuasion, research and organization skills that you can use against family, friends, and in your other classes. The core of debate is evidence based learning and debate prepares you for success on the newly reformulated and refocused SAT and ACT.
  • Learn About a Variety of Topics
    You will get to argue about current events, politics, environment, law, economics, philosophy, international relations, military issues, and much more.
  • The Greatest Sport on Earth!
    Debate is one of the oldest and most competitive activities at Jesuit and you can earn a varsity letter. In fact, Jesuit debate has won more team and individual awards then almost all the other teams and clubs combined 
  • Meet New People
    Competitions are co-ed against public and private schools, across the country.  Even in an online environment, we will debate and interact with people nationwide.   

OVER 75 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

Jesuit Dallas boasts one of the most historically successful debate programs in Texas, and the school’s debaters have been recognized in the top 20 in the country almost every decade since the 1940s. The program has enjoyed a strong resurgence, winning four Texas Forensic Association State Debate Championships since 2000, including back-to-back state titles in 2010 and 2011. Jesuit Dallas had at least one team in the top 20 for the past 22 years - a current Texas State record!

Texas Forensics Association State Debate Champions in 2011, 2010 Close Out, 2002, 2000, and 1979

Texas Forensic Association State Debate Finalists (Second Place) in 2007 and 2001
Texas Forensic Association State Debate Semifinalist in 2020, 2016, 2007, 2005 (2 teams), and 1998
Texas Forensic Association State Quarterfinalist in 2019 (2 teams), 2017 (2 teams), 2008 (2 teams), 2006, 2003, and 2001

Jesuit debaters have finished first or second at following state level tournaments

Colleyville Heritage High School, Houston Memorial High School, Hockaday School , Mansfield Timberview High School, Plano Senior High School, Plano West High School, Plano East High School, Flower Mound High School, Carrollton Newman Smith High School, Carrollton Creekview High School, Coppell High School, Southlake Carroll High School, Naaman Forest High School, University of North Texas

Jesuit Debaters have finished in the top ten at the largest tournaments in the country

Greenhill School, St. Mark’s School of Texas
University of Southern California
The Glenbrooks (Illinois) and
Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville, Emory University, University of California at Berkeley, University of Texas, National Debate Coaches Association National Championships