Senate Resolution No. 477

BY: Senator PARKER

COMMEMORATING the 2025 Brooklyn Borough Debate
Championships

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those organizations and initiatives that empower young people
through education, civic engagement, and critical thinking; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend the 2025 Brooklyn Borough Debate Championships, to be held on
Saturday, March 15, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Organized by the American Debate League (ADL), this
prestigious tournament will bring together nearly 300 elementary and
middle school students and their families from Brooklyn school districts
14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, and 32, fostering an environment where
young scholars can develop essential skills in debate, argumentation,
and public speaking; and

WHEREAS, The Brooklyn Borough Debate Championships serves as a
qualifier for the 2025 New York State Debate Championships, which will
be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025, giving students the opportunity to
showcase their talent and intellectual rigor on an even larger stage;
and

WHEREAS, The American Debate League (ADL), founded in 2014, has made
a significant impact in the New York City, Long Island, Westchester,
Rockland, New Jersey, and Connecticut school communities, helping to
establish debate teams in over 200 schools and offering students the
opportunity to compete at prestigious tournaments such as those held at
Harvard and Princeton; and

WHEREAS, The art of debate fosters confidence, analytical thinking,
and civic engagement, equipping students with the tools to become future
leaders, advocates, and informed citizens; and

WHEREAS, It is fitting and proper that this Legislative Body
recognize and commend the American Debate League, the participating
students, educators, and families, and all those involved in making the
2025 Brooklyn Borough Debate Championships a success; now, therefore, be
it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the 2025 Brooklyn Borough Debate Championships for its
commitment to fostering academic excellence, student leadership, and the
power of discourse; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the American Debate League in recognition of its
outstanding contributions to youth education and civic engagement.