FEATURED DEBATE

Should Certain Books Ever Be Banned in School?

In Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis passed a state education reform package meant to restrict certain books and how gender, sexuality, and race are taught in public schools. In Texas, school administrators restricted access to more than 800 books in 22 districts over concerns about whether they were considered “developmentally appropriate for student use.” Similar actions were carried out in Pennsylvania and Tennessee. In fact, all across the country school administrators are grappling with new pressures concerning what their students are reading and how they are taught. At its core is the fundamental question of whether some books are beyond reproach.…

FEATURED DEBATE

May 19, 2023

Should Certain Books Ever Be Banned in School?

In Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis passed a state education reform package meant to restrict certain books and how gender, sexuality, and race are taught in public schools. In Texas, school administrators restricted access to more than 800 books in 22 districts over concerns about whether they were considered “developmentally appropriate for student use.” Similar actions were carried out in Pennsylvania and Tennessee. In fact, all across the country school administrators are grappling with new pressures concerning what their students are reading and how they are taught. At its core is the fundamental question of whether some books are beyond reproach.…

Is Wokeness Killing Comedy?

What Lenny Bruce, George Carlin, or Eddie Murphy jokes would be deemed offensive by today’s standards? From comedy specials to TV shows and movies, what makes us laugh has come under scrutiny. Some old jokes…
With Michael Ian Black, Lou Perez
September 20, 2023

Is Objectivity Essential to Journalism?

For decades, objectivity has been cited as journalism's highest guiding principle and the gold standard. "Being objective" promised that journalists would stick only "to the facts" and deliver both sides of the story, keeping their…
With Leonard Downie Jr., Bret Stephens
August 25, 2023

Should NATO Admit Ukraine?

Currently, NATO has 31 member countries and there are four countries that have declared their desire to join the alliance, which includes Ukraine. Over the years, Ukraine has sought to move away from Russia's sphere…
With Garry Kasparov, Charles Kupchan
August 04, 2023

Is Social Media Bad for Kids’ Mental Health?

Social media platforms have become an integral part of the modern digital landscape, shaping how young individuals connect, communicate, and perceive the world around them. However, concerns have been raised regarding the potential negative consequences…
With Candice Odgers, Jim Steyer
June 25, 2023

Will Millennials Be Left Behind?

Millennials—people born between 1981 and 1996 — have surpassed the Baby Boomers as the largest generation group in the U.S. Now, the oldest Millennials are reaching their forties and feel they don’t have the financial…
With Jill Filipovic, Scott Winship
June 07, 2023

Should Certain Books Ever Be Banned in School?

In Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis passed a state education reform package meant to restrict certain books and how gender, sexuality, and race are taught in public schools. In Texas, school administrators restricted access to more…
With Yascha Mounk, Chris Rufo
May 19, 2023
DEBATE COMMUNITY
Join a community of social and intellectual leaders that truly value the free exchange of ideas.
EDUCATIONAL BRIEFS
Readings on our weekly debates, debater editorials, and news on issues that affect our everyday lives.
SUPPORT OPEN-MINDED DEBATE
Help us bring debate to communities and classrooms across the nation.