The first speech forum of the fall semester that debated “Resolved, that all citizens of Louisiana must submit to a drug screening test in order to be eligible to receive any entitlement program benefits” was held Tuesday and ended in favor of the pro side, 76 to 54.

Speech 101 students Kisha Bashkiharatee and Phoenix ball presented arguments for and against the resolution respectively. About a dozen students in attendance weighed in on the issue. After both sides had their say and the open forum was closed, the attendance cast their private votes as they left the Cotillion Ballroom in which the forum was held.

The pro side won with 76 votes to the con’s 54 votes.

The final speech forum will take place Oct. 24. The debate will be “Resolved, that the Defense of Marriage Act, defining marriage as a legal union between one woman and one man, should be repealed.”

Tryouts for the positions of primary speakers will take place on Oct. 11 through Oct. 12 from 2 to 5 p.m. Students interested in trying out can contact Michael Jeffress, speech instructor, at (985) 448-4584 or [email protected] for information or to schedule a tryout time.