Structure and Rules of the Affirmative Action Debate
Starting off, the debate moderator will select which side will speak first randomly
by the toss of a coin.
The debate will consist of two teams; the Affirmative side (Pro Affirmative
Action) and the Negative side (Against Affirmative Action). During the debate it is asked
of all of the members to respect one another. Although the debaters will show great
passion in their speech, this does not mean that what they say reflects their personal
views.
Each introduction, constructive topic speech, rebuttal, and conclusion for each
side will be fairly and accurately timed by the debate moderator. The end of each talking
session will be known by the sound of a buzzer.
During the rebuttal each member is asked to raise their hand to contribute. Please
do not direct a question at any one person. Please make the questions general. Each
member with their hand raised will be called upon by the debate moderator. A single
warning will be given out if a member of the debate is to shout out or speak out of turn.
The debate will consist of an introduction, four constructive topic speeches, a
prep-time before rebuttal, a rebuttal session, and a conclusion, each for the Affirmative
and Negative sides.
The introduction is to be a brief overview of the topics to be discussed by your
debate side, possibly including definitions of vague terms. The constructive topic
speeches will present a set of points that supports the debate team’s main idea. Before the
rebuttal session, each debate side will be able to quietly gather together for an allotted
time to collect their thoughts before the session. The rebuttal session is used by each side
to address the opposing team’s points. Data should be cited to back the team’s ideas
against the other team’s ideas. For the conclusion, no new points are to be added. This is
your team’s chance to summarize, emphasize your strongest points, and convince both
sides that your arguments were the best.
Structure: (This is the tentative schedule for the debate. It will not be known who will
be going first until the day of the debate).
Opening Statements – Introduction
1. Affirmative Side (Pro Affirmative Action) – Lauren Mailhot 2 to 3 minutes
Assistant: Kate Patterson
2. Negative Side (Against Affirmative Action) – Shannon Concatelli 2 to 3
minutes
Assistant: Makita Booker
Amber Greco
Katie Zera
Constructive Topic – Presentation of the first topic*
1. Affirmative Side (Pro Affirmative Action) – Denise Smith 2 to 3 minutes
Assistants: Sheri Kornfield
Tony Gentile
2. Negative Side (Against Affirmative Action) – Anna Malec 2 to 3 minutes
Assistants: Anthony Palmoze
Shawn Ryan
Rebuttal Prep-Time for First Topic
Each debate team will gather together quietly to solidify ideas before the debate
session – 2 minutes
Rebuttal of First Topic – 5 to 8 minutes
Constructive Topic – Second topic
1. Negative Side – Carolyn Neriani
Assistants: Lindsay Jamieson
Dana Merise
2. Affirmative Side – Katrina Linnemann
Assistants: Katie Kearney
Michelle Moynihan
Rebuttal Prep-Time for Second Topic
Each debate team will gather together quietly to solidify ideas before the debate
session – 2 minutes
Rebuttal of Second Topic – 5 to 8 minutes
Constructive Topic – Third Topic
1. Affirmative Side – Kari Jensen
Assistants: Jamie Rhoads
Paula Ditimi
2. Negative Side - Stephanie Roberts
Assistant: Stephanie McCain
Rebuttal Prep-Time for Third Topic
Each debate team will gather together quietly to solidify ideas before the debate
session – 2 minutes
Rebuttal of Third Topic – 5 to 8 minutes
Constructive Topic – Fourth Topic
1. Negative Side – Renee Czaplicki
Assistant: Jessica Crawley
2. Affirmative Side – Shelley Haybeck
Assistants: Amy Fabrizio
Amanda Maloney
Rebuttal Prep-Time
Each debate team will gather together quietly to solidify ideas before the debate
session – 2 minutes
Rebuttal of Fourth Topic – 5 to 8 minutes
Closing Statements – Conclusions
1. Affirmative Side (Pro Affirmative Action) – Phillip Dang 2 to 3 minutes
Assistant: Jamie Hughes
2. Negative Side (Against Affirmative Action) – Abby Hayes 2 to 3 minutes
Assistants: All Four Group
Presenters
*The Constructive Topic presentations will be done four times. Which ever team wins the
coin toss will go first for the Introduction and for the first of the four Constructive Topic
presentations. After that it will go every-other of who will go first for the remaining
Constructive Topic presentations.