Congratulations to the students and coaches from Mather and Hyde Park who participated in these events, and thank you to all who attended. The two events proved be productive discussions of a contentious issue, followed by lively question and answer sessions. We’ll have additional photos and video posted in the next few weeks, so be sure to check back soon.

Update: The times and places for the 2010 NFL Nationwide Public Debates have been set:

First Debate:

  • Monday, December 13, 2010, 4:30PM
  • Mather High School, auditorium
  • 5835 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago IL 60659
  • Participating Debaters: Representing Mather: Sofia Sheikh, David Greenberg, and Janet Rodriguez; representing Hyde Park: Erin Carley, Vichina Austin, and Jasmine Williams.

Second Debate

  • Thursday, December 16, 2010, 5:00PM
  • Hyde Park Academy High School, auditorium
  • 6220 South Stony Island Avenue, Chicago IL 60637
  • Participating Debaters: Representing Mather: Sofia Sheikh, David Greenberg, and Janet Rodriguez; representing Hyde Park: Kahleif Bell, Shakari Porter, and Danielle Rupert.

The Chicago Debate League is tremendously excited to participate in this year’s nationwide public debates and we invite everyone in the CDL community and the public to these important events.

The National Forensics League Nationwide Public Debates

On December 13th and 16th of 2010, teams from Hyde Park Academy and Mather High School will debate each other in a series of two public debates on the the topic, “Resolved: An Islamic cultural center should be built near Ground Zero.”  Each team will present the arguments for and against the building of a mosque near the WTC to a public audience and take questions from those in attendance following each debate.

The debate between Hyde Park and Mather high schools will be one of many public debate taking place nationwide this December on the topic of construction of an Islamic community center in NYC.  These public debates aim to engage the community, foster tolerance, enhance understandings, and raise awareness of debate.

The Nationwide Public Debate Initiative was made possible by the National Forensics League.  Stay tuned for more details, such as specific dates and times, and we hope to see you there!