The House concurrent resolution No. R-121 congratulates the Southern State Correctional Facility (SSCF) debate team for their victory in the National Prison Debate League (NPDL) against Wake Forest University. This achievement is part of an innovative educational initiative led by the Commissioner of Corrections, Nicholas Deml, which involved a semester-long course on collegiate debate. The NPDL aims to connect incarcerated individuals with collegiate debate programs, enhancing critical thinking, creativity, and reducing recidivism through education.
The SSCF team participated in a virtual debate on the Norwegian Model of Corrections, which focuses on rehabilitation and personal agency. After thorough preparation and consultation with experts, the SSCF team was declared the winner by a panel of independent judges. This victory is attributed to the team's dedication and the NPDL's comprehensive curriculum, which emphasizes civic engagement and leadership. The resolution calls for the General Assembly to formally recognize the team's accomplishment and directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to relevant officials and team members.