By Steve Vivona
On September 20 St. John’s University kicked off a series of
student debates designed to spark discussion about Constitutional
issues such as the Patriot Act, religious freedom and the internet.
The first debate, entitled “Patriot Act: Safe or Sorry,” was held
on the Queens campus and a similar one was scheduled for the
following day on the Staten Island campus. The debates, sponsored
by the Office of the Provost in conjunction with the Department of
Student Life, featured students expressing their views on these
hotly-contested issues in a forum of mutual respect and
dignity.
The first debate was moderated by Bernard Helldorfer, Chairman
of the Division of Criminal Justice and Legal Studies in the
College of Professional Studies, and coach of the University’s Mock
Trial Team. In his introduction Prof. Helldorfer noted that the
event originated out of a piece of federal legislation put forth by
Senator Robert Byrd of Virginia.
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Senator Byrd included a provision on the bill that requires
schools that receive federal aid to conduct an educational program
on the U.S. Constitution on September 17. A group of faculty
volunteers met over the summer to craft a University response. Dr.
Erin Lothes-Biviano from the Office of the Provost, told St. John’s
Monthly that, rather than host a panel of experts, faculty wanted
this to be a student forum. “A series of student debates seemed to
be the best way to foster lively discussion among the campus
community,” she noted.
Two panels of students took opposing sides on the topic which
was divided into three distinct issues. Each student addressed the
topic from either side and had time for rebuttal. Following the
formal portion of the debates the students took questions from the
audience.
Angelita Gonzalez, one of the student participants, felt it was
important to participate in this type of forum. “As students
there’s not a lot we can say publicly (on these issues),” and these
debates allow students a chance to participate in the discussion
and air their views. Student Elizabeth Castillo added that through
her research she was better able to make an informed judgment about
these issues and which politicians she felt were worthy of her
support.
Dr. Lothes Biviano noted, “Forums like these are important ways
for students to share their views and learn to analyze critically
the major issues facing our society. It is the role of a university
to model the processes of research and debate, through which
educated citizens can make a difference.”
A message board has also been set up at St. John’s Central for
students to carry on the discussion as well as an on-line survey to
gauge their reactions to the debates. “Most of all,” Dr. Lothes
Biviano stressed, “such debates encourage listening respectfully to
diverging views, and hopefully encourage students to get involved
in issues that matter to them.”