The Thomas More Debate Society is a member of the National Forensic Association (NFA). The team competes at tournaments throughout the country. Saint Anselm's debate team is nearly 60 years old.

The team competes in Lincoln-Douglas (LD) policy debate and debates one topic throughout the entire school year.

2007-2008 Topic:
Resolved:  That the United States Federal Government should substantially increase assistance to the Greater Horn of Africa in one of the following areas: economic development, human rights protection or public health.

Upcoming tournaments:

• NFA Nationals at Tennessee State University, April 18-21

Recent News:
3/15/2008 Debate Team Wins Northeast Regional Championship
2/19/2008 Debate Team Wins in Boston Competition

The team attended tournaments at Lafayette College, Suffolk University, Ohio State University and Otterbein College, and Webster University, and hosted the Jack Lynch Invitational Tournament in November. Through February 2008, the team has been successful; it won the Suffolk Tournament and has had at least one student reach the quarterfinals at the Lafayette, Saint Anselm and Webster tournaments. 

Qualified debaters have the opportunity to be admitted to Pi Kappa Delta, the debate honor society.  Limited need-based scholarships are available to varsity team members. Tournament and travel expenses are covered by the college. 

Graduates go on to careers in law, finance, politics, education, and social justice. The skills acquired and developed through competing in debate include research, writing, and public speaking. All of these skills are fundamental and beneficial to any professional career. Students also enjoy the benefits of being a member of a team. Alumni volunteer to support the team with help judging at tournaments.

In 2001, Colleen Karpinsky, a Saint Anselm senior, won the NFA National Title in LD Debate. Colleen '01 went on to work in a N.H. law firm, and is now in-house counsel to Irving Oil Corportation at its U.S. headquarters.

In 2000, the college came in second place overall in team sweepstakes at the nationals. The team has placed in the top five schools in the country three times. Also, the team has placed at least one student into the elimination rounds (top 32 or better) at the National Tournament 10 years in a row. This is the second longest such streak in the country.