Bard College Hosts 7th Annual Middle and High School Debate Tournament
Groups of three students from each school debated on three topics: a proposal to require voters to pass a civics test, public funding of universal higher education, and the risks versus benefits of artificial intelligence. Students are given the topics a month in advance but are not told which side they are on until the day of the debate, so they have to prepare to argue both sides of every topic. Ultimately, the student teams from Manhattan and Queens were pronounced tournament champions for scoring the highest in all three rounds, but students from the other campuses, particularly BHSEC Cleveland, put in an excellent showing.
“The annual Middle and High School Debate Tournament is one of our favorite events of the year,” said Ruth Zisman, assistant professor of social studies and faculty adviser of the Bard Debate Union. “Not only does it give us the opportunity to watch some very eager and bright young minds take the stage, but it also gives students at Bard College Annandale the chance to serve as teachers and mentors to younger students who are new to debate, allowing them to see the significance of debate beyond their own competitive success—to see the real power of public discourse and civic education.”
Post Date: 03-12-2018