OUR VIEW: Debate opened minds … and that’s good

Both the College Republicans and Aggies for the Education of Affirmative Action scored a victory in Monday’s debate.

The College Republicans achieved the goal they established when holding their bake sale in December to “get people thinking,” and Aggies were indeed educated about affirmative action.

Students in the audience won as well by hearing clearly articulated arguments by panelists on both sides who had done their research.

The debate was surprisingly civil, considering the strong emotions expressed in the wake of the bake sale. For the most part, panelists and students who came forth to speak adhered to Vice President for Student Services Juan Franco’s plea to “attack ideas, not people.”

It was especially good to see such a high turnout – about 600 people attended the debate, and dozens lined up to ask the panelists questions or make comments of their own. Several major Utah newspapers covered the event, giving USU a chance to show the state that its funding is not being wasted on those who are lackadaisical about their education.

If there is one overriding theme coming from the aftermath of the debate, it is that USU should host more debates – not just on affirmative action, but on other controversial topics of today. Debates of this kind serve to increase the intellectual diversity of those participating – even if opinions aren’t changed, at least people will understand each other better, perhaps dispel some stereotypes and learn to argue intellectually rather than emotionally.