Controversial Topics Off Student Debate List

Administrators at Fort Mill High School decided to remove gay marriage and stem cell research from a planned student debate out of concern that they might clash with a state law on sex education.

The topics were on a list of eight approved by Principal David Damm for use in a student-run debate intended to mirror the presidential debates.

A debate announcement said issues such as education, taxes, jobs, the war in Iraq and faith-based initiatives would be discussed, but “because of South Carolina laws, we cannot discuss such controversial issues as stem cell research, abortion or homosexual marriages.”