Syrian refugee crisis topic of public debate at Idaho State University Nov. 5 sponsored by Rupp Debate Society

October 28, 2015
ISU Marketing and Communications

POCATELLO – The Idaho State University Bengal Debate Team will host a public debate on Nov. 5 at 6 p.m. about the ongoing Syrian refugee crisis. The audience will be allowed to ask questions as part of the debate and to vote for the winner.

The debate will be in the Middle Fork of the Salmon River Suites on the third floor of the Pond Student Union on the ISU campus. Members of the ISU debate team will engage the topic: “The United States should accept one million Syrian refugees over the next five years.”

ISU Debate Team members, from left to right, Sophomore Michael Mares, of Pocatello, Junior Mike Chen, of Casper, Wyoming, Sophomore Cora Bidet, of Shelley, and Senior Nate Graves, of Arco, pose near a reflecting pool at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon, following The Steve Hunt Classic debate tournament last month.

“Debate is important to creating new understanding and supporting democracy,” said Sarah Partlow Lefevre, ISU debate coach. “We hope students and the community will participate in this process so that their voices can be heard.”

Following the debate, the audience can ask the debaters questions about their arguments and strategies.

The Syrian refugee crisis is a result of the ongoing civil war in Syria, which began in 2011 with an uprising against President and dictator Bashar al-Assad. The bloody conflict has claimed the lives of more than 200,000 people and displaced millions. The refugees continue to pour into neighboring countries and Europe, straining resources of the host nations.

The debate is an outreach event for the ISU James E. and Sharron M. Rupp Debate Society. It is free to the public, and refreshments will be provided.

For more information, contact Assistant Debate Coach Casey Santee at santcase@isu.edu.

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