“Arctic” Selected as 2025-26 National High School Policy Debate Topic

The NFHS has announced the selection of “Arctic” as the National High School Policy Debate Topic for the 2025-26 academic year.  

NFHS is the US' National Federation of State High School Associations based in Indianapolis, Indiana, and is the national leader and advocate for high school athletics as well as fine and performing arts programs. NFHS includes 51 member state associations (including Washington, D.C.), and serve 19,500 high schools and more than 12 million young people.

“We are thrilled to announce 'Arctic' as the 2025-26 National High School Policy Debate Topic,” said Dr. James Weaver, NFHS director of performing arts and sports in a news article. 

“This decision reflects the collective voice of our members and the commitment to providing students with timely, impactful issues to explore. Debate fosters critical thinking, and the topic of the Arctic offers a unique opportunity for students to delve into geopolitical, environmental and economic discussions that shape our world,” Weaver added.

“Arctic” was chosen over “Military Presence” by a 21-13 vote in the final balloting process, which saw participation from 30 state associations, the National Speech and Debate Association, the National Catholic Forensic League, the National Association for Urban Debate Leagues and the National Debate Coaches Association.. 

The debate resolution will be as follows: “The United States federal government should significantly increase its exploration and/or development of the Arctic.”