November/December Newsletter

Hello, GPF!

As the semester is wrapping up, we're diving into an important topic for these next two months: Resolved: The United States federal government should forgive all federal student loan debt. This is a complex and timely issue, and we're excited to see how you all approach it in your upcoming rounds.

Here are some key resources to help you as you begin researching the topic. Be sure to check them out for a range of perspectives and evidence:

1. How Student Loan Forgiveness Could Impact the Economy

   This article from The New York Times discusses the economic implications of student loan forgiveness, analyzing both the potential benefits and the risks involved. It provides a well-rounded view of the broader economic consequences, which will be essential for building arguments on both sides of the debate.

2. The Case for Forgiving Student Debt

   The Washington Post article provides a thorough analysis of why many people believe student loan forgiveness is a crucial policy. It focuses on the moral and economic justifications, offering strong arguments that can be used to advocate for forgiveness in your debates.

3. Why Student Loan Forgiveness is a Necessary Step

   This Economist piece digs into the societal pressures that have driven the demand for student loan forgiveness, emphasizing the long-term effects of student debt on individuals and families. It provides valuable evidence on how forgiving student loans could lead to broader social improvements.

4. The Politics of Student Loan Forgiveness

   From NPR, this article delves into the political battle surrounding student loan forgiveness, highlighting how partisan differences shape the debate. This article is particularly helpful for understanding the political ramifications of loan forgiveness, especially for those debating the issue from a policy or governance perspective.

5. Analyzing the Economic Effects of Forgiving Student Loan Debt

   CNBC explores the financial costs of student loan forgiveness, breaking down the numbers to show how much it would cost the federal government. Understanding the financial burden is key for constructing arguments against blanket forgiveness, making this article a crucial resource for a balanced debate.

Additionally, be sure to keep up with our weekly debate skills workshops, which are being recorded via Zoom. If you missed any of these or want to review the material, the recordings are emailed out to all members after each session. If you’re not on the mailing list, be sure to fill out the contact form on our website or reach out to your point person at your school to get added.

I’ll also be posting even more articles on the Resources Page throughout the month, so check back regularly for fresh insights and potential evidence for your cases.

Looking ahead, we’ll be hosting an internal debate tournament at the end of the fall semester, around December. If you think you might be interested in participating, now’s the time to start preparing! Reach out to your point person at your school for more details and to express your interest.

Finally, make sure you’re reviewing the curriculum from the past month. It’s essential to stay on top of what’s been covered so far, and independent practice rounds with your fellow GPF members will help you refine your arguments. Set up some practice debates to keep your skills sharp and to get comfortable with the topic.

As always, stay engaged, keep up with your research, and remember: your growth as a debater comes not only from the lessons and workshops, but also from the time you put in outside of them. Let’s make these last couple months of the semester count!

Cheers,

Joann.