Debate Team
In each debate round they compete, Jesuit debaters engage in high level discussions over economics, politics, law, social justice, philosophy, science and technology, enhancing their cultural and political competence.
Jesuit Dallas Debate Team has long been among the leading debate teams locally, regionally and nationally, known for cultivating excellence in our debaters' research and advocacy skills. These skills are increasingly necessary for navigating the world of information and disinformation – and are valued highly by college admissions counselors and employers. Debate is an extracurricular and receives P.E. credit.
Why Join Debate?
If you like to argue and research and strategize and persuade, debate is an excellent home!
Form Lifelong Skills
Develop argument, persuasion, research and organization skills that you can use with family, friends, and in your classes. Debate with evidence based learning prepares you for success on the SAT and ACT.
LEARN ABOUT A VARIETY OF TOPICS
Learn to argue about current events, politics, environment, law, economics, philosophy, international relations, military issues, etc.
The Greatest Sport on Earth
One of the oldest and most competitive activities at Jesuit that has won more team and individual awards then almost all other teams/clubs combined! Debaters can also earn a varsity letter.
Meet New People
Competitions are co-ed against public and private schools, across the country. Even in an online environment, our team members debate and interact with people worldwide.
This Year's National Debate Topic
The United States federal government should substantially increase fiscal redistribution in the United States by adopting a federal jobs guarantee, expanding Social Security, and/or providing a basic income.
Contact Us
Questions about trying out for the Debate Team? Please reach out to our coaches Dr. Tracy McFarland (tmcfarland@jesuitcp.org) or Dan Lingel (dlingel@jesuitcp.org).
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Preparing for the Future
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 as the top 20 in the country almost every decade since the 1940s. Jesuit Dallas had at least one team in the top 20 for over 20 years - a current Texas Forensic Association State record!
Texas Forensics Association State Debate Champions
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
2020, 2016, 2007, 2005 (2 teams), and 1998
Texas Forensic Association State Quarterfinalist
2019 (2 teams), 2017 (2 teams), 2008 (2 teams), 2006, 2003, and 2001
Debaters Have Finished in the Top Ten at the Country's Largest Tournaments
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