The New York State Senate

J1651

Senate Resolution No. 1651

BY: Senator RIVERA

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
March 4, 2022, as Speech and Debate Education Day in
the State of New York

WHEREAS, Established by the National Speech & Debate Association, in
conjunction with national and local partners, this event serves to
promote better instruction in speech and debate across all grade levels
and to highlight the pivotal roles these abilities play in personal
advocacy, social movements, and public policy making; and

WHEREAS, Speech and debate education helps students develop
important skills in communication, critical thinking, creativity, and
collaboration through the practice of public speaking; participants
learn not only to analyze and express complex ideas effectively but also
to listen, concur, questions, or dissent with reason and compassion; and

WHEREAS, Across the State, countless educators devote in-school,
after-school, and weekend time to supporting their students in speech
and debate practices and competitions, and the example of hard work and
dedication they set has lasting, positive impact on their pupils; and

WHEREAS, The skills learned through speech and debate serve students
well throughout their lives, and this occasion presents a welcome
opportunity to recognize such instruction as an essential component of a
well-rounded curriculum; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 4, 2022, as Speech
and Debate Education Day in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.