New debate series at Brandeis Law to examine current issues
March 1, 2018Alixis Russell American Constitution Society
did speech and debate in undergrad
led debate at ASU - large turnout
debates are good for the debaters and the audience
she was thinking just one debate but Ronnie suggested a series
About Ronnie: "He is so enthusiastic and respectful. I think we're a solid team. I'm thankful to Ronnie for the brainstorming."
"If we stay on this path, I think it can be something that lasts after we're gone."
"Our organizations, being partisan and political, have a responsibility to be part of this. We have a duty to cross the aisle."
Ronnie Mills Federalist Society
"How could we leave a legacy?"
"How can we create an atmosphere at the law school where we have civil debate and leave the ad hominens out?"
"We wanted to create something that everyone in the law school could look forward to."
hope to do first debate between faculty in April and then start student series first week of fall semester. 2 students from each group.
Topics could be states rights, sanctuary cities. Want to let the debaters be involved in choosing the topics.
they will be adversarial debates, not a shouting match. have a moderator, Q&A sessions
using a structure where everyone gets time to argue and respond. no interjections.
"I'm excited. Everyone is wanting a place to debate the ideas and get away from the ad hominems"
About Alixis: "Her passion and drive has really motivated me." She's done debates before
"Democracy dies in echo chambers."