happy even happier debate coach

Update, May 2: Christina Watts placed first, and Aaron Cole took second in the final round of competition this afternoon. (I scooped The Olympian.) Cash prizes and kudos to both!



Originally posted April 29

As I ambled through Arts Walk with my wife and some colleagues, I chanced upon a student who had competed (albeit unsuccessfully) in the Law Day contest, and wanted to share the results, which appear in this morning's Olympian.

Congratulations to Aaron Cole and Christina Watts, both headed to the final round of competition.

Watts said freedom of religion and freedom of speech should coexist in a good society.

“The definition of appropriateness varies vastly in our society,” she said. “Censorship reflects society's lack of confidence in itself.”

But Cole took the other side, arguing that unless Americans use their liberties in a responsible manner, those liberties will become endangered.

Because the world is becoming more globalized, Americans should be more aware of how their speech affects others, he said.

“When the consequences fall to others, it is easy to believe everything is fine,” Cole said.

Christina and Aaron never shy away from argument, and always have something important to say. I'm immensely pleased to have played a small role in their intellectual growth.