On January 10, 2020, ballots from 33 states, the National Speech and Debate Association, the National Catholic Forensic League, National Association for Urban Debate Leagues and the Nation Debate Coaches Association were received and tabulated for the 2020-2021 national high school policy debate topic. Criminal Justice Reform was selected over Climate Change with 59.5% of the vote. 

In October the five topic areas were narrowed to two as part of a two-stage balloting process. Use of the second ballot assures a majority of coaches across the nation favor the chosen topic area and resolution.

The 2020 Policy Debate Topic Selection Meeting will be held in Kansas City on July 31st through August 2nd, 2020. Specific information regarding lodging, travel arrangements and daily schedules will be sent to your office at a later date. You may also check our Web site at: https://www.nfhs.org/sports-resource-content/nfhs-policy-debate-topic-selection-meeting/.

HOW THEY VOTED FOR 2020-2021:

National Policy Debate Topic Area Balloting:

22           Criminal Justice Reform

Resolved: The United States federal government should enact substantial criminal justice reform in the United States in one or more of the following: forensic science, policing, sentencing.

15           Climate Change

Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially increase market-based regulations requiring reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.