Piedmont to host state collegiate debate tournament

DEMOREST - Arguments and counter-arguments will be flying at Piedmont College Feb. 13-14 at the Georgia Parliamentary Debate Association (GPDA) State Tournament.<br /> <br /> Piedmont is hosting this year's tournament, which is expected to attract up to a dozen colleges and universities from across the state. Dr. Janice Moss, who coaches the debate team at Piedmont and is this year's president of the GPDA, said the tournament will draw some 125 competitors to Habersham for the weekend. The tournament, for both novice and varsity divisions, will be held at Piedmont's Swanson Center for Performing Arts and Communications and other locations across the campus.<br /> <br /> The Piedmont debate team will be participating in both divisions. The team includes co-president Sam Thomas of Jefferson, co-president Sarah Smagur of Clarkesville, Augusta Gailey of Gainesville, Hannah Thomas of Jefferson, Rusty Crumley of Demorest, Thomas Looney of Demorest, and Josh McGowan of Baldwin.<br /> <br /> Moss said Parliamentary Debate tournaments involve teams representing the "Government" and one representing the "Opposition." Students are given a list of topic areas ahead of time but only learn the specific topic 15 minutes before the round begins. They can then search online for information about that topic, but are not allowed to bring copies with them into the match.<br /> <br /> Topics range from a variety of policy and value subjects, Moss said. In past tournaments, students have argued the merits of reforming the national political campaign process, privatizing pension programs, and increasing consumer protections. Winners of the state tournament can attend the National Parliamentary Debate Association tournament to be held in Kansas City, Kansas.<br /> <br /> The public is invited to attend and watch the debates, and more information is available at www.piedmont.edu/ GPDA-tourney.