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JOINT RESOLUTION DESIGNATING NATIONAL SPEECH

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AND DEBATE EDUCATION DAY

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2023 GENERAL SESSION

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STATE OF UTAH

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Chief Sponsor: Douglas R. Welton

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Senate Sponsor: Stephanie Pitcher

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8     LONG TITLE
9     General Description:
10          This resolution recognizes National Speech and Debate Education Day on March 3,
11     2023.
12     Highlighted Provisions:
13          This resolution:
14          ▸     recognizes National Speech and Debate Education Day on March 3, 2023;
15          ▸     highlights the skills and abilities students develop in speech and debate education;
16     and
17          ▸     recognizes the contributions of debate and speech educators.
18     Special Clauses:
19          None
20     

21     Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
22          WHEREAS, National Speech and Debate Education Day is March 3, 2023;     
23          WHEREAS, this event was established by the National Speech & Debate Association,
24     in conjunction with national and local partners, and serves to promote better instruction in
25     speech and debate education across all grade levels and to highlight the pivotal roles the skills
26     and abilities developed in speech and debate play in personal advocacy, social movements, and
27     public policy making;

28          WHEREAS, speech and debate education helps students develop important skills in
29     communication, critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration through the practice of public
30     speaking;
31          WHEREAS, participants in speech and debate education learn not only to analyze and
32     express complex ideas effectively but also to listen, concur, ask questions, or dissent with
33     reason and compassion;
34          WHEREAS, across the state, speech and debate educators devote in-school,
35     after-school, and weekend time to support their students in speech and debate practices and
36     competitions, and the example of hard work and dedication they set has lasting, positive impact
37     on their pupils; and
38          WHEREAS, the skills students learn through speech and debate education serve
39     students well throughout their lives, and this occasion presents a welcome opportunity to
40     recognize such instruction as an essential component of a well-rounded curriculum:
41          NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah
42     hereby recognizes March 3, 2023, as National Speech and Debate Education Day in Utah.
43          BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature recognizes the meaningful impact
44     that speech and debate educators have on students throughout their lives and commends these
45     educators for their efforts.