Debate Resolution:

The enactment of censorship over the last eighty years is justified.

Topics: These are topics that will need to be understood generally and specifically.  The setting for this research is the United States 1930 – 2010. 


Religious censorship:  separation of church and state (ex. “In God We Trust” on money) and censorship of religion in school curriculum:  evolution vs. creationism; school prayer.

For example, an affirmative stance would be: religion has NO PLACE in schools.  

For example, a negative stance would be: you should be able to voice religious views on school property (teach religious curriculum, etc.)


Political censorship:  blocking information about public figures, war-time censorship, McCarthyism.

For example, an affirmative would be: it is okay for the government to censor what is told to the public. 

For example, a negative stance would be: the public has a right to know of any information that is obtained by the government: policies and safety-related matters


censorship of the Visual/Fine Arts:  painting, drawing, photography, sculpture

For example, an affirmative would be: visual arts need to be censored to protect the public from questionable/controversial images/subjects/ideas.

For example, a negative stance would be: visual arts should not be censored as guaranteed by our right for freedom of expression.


**Knowledge and understanding of the first amendment rights should be included in your research for all of the above topics.