VISION STATEMENT

The members of the LDEP believe that Lincoln-Douglas debate is primarily an educational activity to prepare students for academic and personal success in their future lives. Therefore, the competitive incentives of LD should reward students who:

• research thoroughly and ethically

• reason logically

• write and speak clearly and eloquently

• develop direct resolutional analysis

• explain arguments thoroughly rather than superficially

• conduct themselves professionally, courteously and respectfully

We recognize that students participate in debate from a legitimate variety of motives, including the joy of spirited competition. As teachers, it is our responsibility to ensure that successful debate is educationally constructive debate. The LDEP works with coaches, judges, tournament directors, and other members of the debate community to pursue this goal through organizational and educational initiatives.

This vision statement is available in a PDF document for easy printing and distribution.

Click here to see a list of tournaments pledging to follow LDEP's recommended tournament policies.