The Human Journey Colloquia Series hosted its annual political debate, “The Great Debate: The Voices of Tomorrow,” on Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. in the Dr. Michelle Loris Forum, bringing students from across campus together for political discussion.
Source: Jamie Van Der Merwe, Staff Writer and Photographer
The event opened with remarks from moderators Dr. Gary Rose, professor of political science, chair of the Department of Government, and scholar in residence, and senior Olivia Yessis, who is majoring in global affairs, minoring in political science, and serves as vice president of the Women’s Political Engagement Commission (WPEC).
“The purpose of the ‘Great Debate’ is to elevate awareness among the student body of contentious policy issues that are affecting the lives, not just of students, but also the future of American democracy,” said Rose.
The event brought together students from several political organizations, including SHU Democrats, SHU Republicans, WPEC, Pioneer Vote, Turning Point USA, Student Government and World State.
“Facilitating a safe environment for students to express their opinions is essential,” said Yessis. “This is not red versus blue. It is perspective versus perspective.”
The topics selected for the debate reflected a mix of current events and ongoing policy debates that continue to shape national and global conversations.
The first debate featured senior William Kurnik, a political science major, debating from the Republican perspective, and freshman Jadelynn Garrido, debating from the Democratic perspective, on immigration policy and the role of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
“Civil discourse is how America progresses, and how universities should work,” said Kurnik. “There is nothing better than being able to talk openly and freely about ideas. It’s the American way.”
The second debate paired senior Meher Johar, representing the Republican perspective, and freshman Makayla Bloom, representing the Democratic perspective, in a discussion on election integrity and balancing security with access.
Audience members were invited to ask questions following the debates, contributing to the overall dialogue.
The third debate examined whether the United States made the right decision on withdrawing from the World Health Organization, featuring senior Connor Faye debating from the Republican perspective and senior Alyssa Pace debating from the Democratic perspective.
“One of our topics is something that happened two weeks ago – the United States withdrew from the World Health Organization,” said Yessis. “So having these conversations now as everything is happening in real time is very important.”
The fourth debate addressed whether the United States should annex Greenland, with sophomore Michelle Hernandez arguing from the Republican perspective and junior Juliana Morello arguing from the Democratic perspective.
The final debate of the event centered on climate change, examining what responsibility governments have to act and how far that action should go, with Kurnik returning to represent the Republican perspective and sophomore Aidan McKee, who is majoring in global affairs and political science, representing the Democratic perspective.
“Being able to get into that heated debate, kind of a friendly sparring match, was both engaging and interesting,” said Kurnik.
McKee said the experience helped him grow intellectually.
“It is good for me to have my ideas challenged publicly and under pressure,” said McKee. “That is how I continue to develop them.”
Sophomore Drew Scalice, a business management and finance major who was an audience member during the debate, said hearing peers debate made the event more impactful.
“I don’t find myself falling on a specific side of a political spectrum. I like to hear what both parties have to say and hearing it from my own peers rather than generations above me,” said Scalice.
Yessis said collaboration among campus groups helped make the debate possible.
“All of SHU’s political organizations are respectful in intelligent conversation. Your position doesn’t exist without opposition,” said Yessis.
McKee said debates like this are essential in a university setting.
“Our country was founded upon debates,” said McKee. “It is imperative that we continue to hold them in our educational institutions if we want a healthy democracy.”
