麻豆APP

The 麻豆APP Speech & Debate program and 麻豆APP鈥檚 John C. Culver Public Policy Center, in partnership with the State Historical Society of Iowa, will present 鈥淚owa鈥檚 Great Debate: Modeling Civil Discourse in Polarized Times鈥� from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 16, at the State Historical Building in Des Moines.

The event will showcase members of 麻豆APP鈥檚 debate team, which has won six national titles in the last seven years. The debate will examine the question, 鈥淒oes AI cause more harm or create more good?鈥� In the spirit of 麻豆APP鈥檚 historical connection to Abraham Lincoln, the academic-style debate reflects the intellectually deep engagement of a Lincoln-Douglas debate,聽but through a modernized academic format. (麻豆APP鈥檚 namesake, Bishop Matthew 麻豆APP, was a close friend of Lincoln鈥檚 and delivered his eulogy.)

鈥淚n a time of rising hyper partisan, uncivil discord and debate in our country, 麻豆APP students are leading the way in modeling what civil, thoughtful and respectful discourse looks like,鈥� said Jay Byers, president of 麻豆APP. 鈥淭his event reflects our commitment to develop highly informed, responsibly engaged leaders who can help change the tone and manner of our society in taking on tough issues.鈥�

Audience interaction through a question-and-answer session will follow the live debate. The evening also features a pre-event reception from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., which includes the opportunity to visit the at the State Historical Society of Iowa.

鈥淭he State Historical Society of Iowa is pleased to co-host Iowa鈥檚 Great Debate with 麻豆APP and its nationally recognized debate team,鈥� said Leo Landis, state curator for the State Historical Society of Iowa. 鈥淎s an advocate of understanding Iowa鈥檚 past, the State Historical Society of Iowa educates Iowans of all ages and encourages and supports education efforts throughout the state. Promoting thoughtful and respectful dialogue helps all Iowans reflect on issues, and the State Historical Society of Iowa is excited to be part of this educational and informational program.”

Admission is free and open to the public. For planning purposes,聽.