March/April Newsletter

Hi to all!

Marching into the spring semester, I'm shouting out everyone for their consistent attendance at the weekly debate skills workshops. It’s been great to see so many of you consistently showing up and engaging with the material. Your commitment to honing your skills is evident, and we’ve noticed significant improvements across the board. Keep up the fantastic work!

Now, let’s take a look at the two exciting topics we’ll be tackling in the coming months. These issues will challenge your critical thinking, push your research skills, and get you to engage with some truly important global discussions.

March Topic - "Resolved: In the United States, collegiate student-athletes should be classified as employees of their educational institution."

This is a complex issue that involves sports, economics, and labor law. The debate over whether collegiate athletes should be classified as employees has intensified in recent years, especially as their visibility and revenue-generating potential grow. Here are some key resources to help you understand the arguments from both sides:

1. Why NCAA Athletes Should Be Classified as Employees

   This New York Times article makes a compelling argument for why NCAA athletes should be considered employees. It discusses the revenue generated by college sports and the exploitative nature of the current system, which doesn’t provide athletes with a fair share of the financial benefits.

   
   

2. The Case Against Treating College Athletes as Employees

   In contrast, The Washington Post presents the opposing viewpoint, arguing that classifying college athletes as employees could fundamentally alter the nature of college sports and the educational experience. This article touches on potential issues with the balance of academics and athletics.

   
   

3. Should College Athletes Be Paid? The Debate Over Employee Status

   This CNBC article provides a broad overview of the ongoing debate about college athletes’ rights and compensation. It delves into the financial aspects of college sports and the shifting landscape around athlete compensation, offering a more nuanced look at the potential pros and cons.

April Topic: The United Nations should abolish permanent membership on its Security Council.

This is a topic that engages with global governance, international relations, and fairness in decision-making processes. The permanent membership on the Security Council has long been a point of contention, and this debate offers an opportunity to think critically about the balance of power in international institutions. Here are some key articles to get you started:

1. The Case for Abolishing Permanent Members on the UN Security Council

   This BBC article presents the argument for reforming the UN Security Council, focusing on the inequalities created by the permanent membership. It explores the need for a more representative decision-making process and examines how the veto power of permanent members often blocks action on crucial global issues.

   
   

2. Why the UN Security Council Needs Reform

   Al Jazeera makes a strong case for reforming the Security Council to reflect the changing global power dynamics. This article argues that the current system is outdated and undemocratic, and it highlights the lack of representation for emerging powers and regions.

   
   

3. The Debate Over Permanent Membership in the UN Security Council

   In this CNN piece, the arguments for and against permanent membership are laid out in detail. The article discusses the implications of potential reforms and offers an overview of the positions held by major international powers on the issue.

GPF Updates:

We just launched an exciting new project! Starting immediately once this newsletter goes out, we will be hosting an extra office hours session every week. These office hours will be held once a week for two hours, with a different team member hosting each hour. The schedule for office hours, along with more information about which GPF teacher will be hosting which hour, will be sent out to you through your school's point person.

We highly recommend attending these sessions! They are a great opportunity to polish your cases, hone your skills through drills, or simply chat about current events. Whether you're looking for one-on-one feedback or a place to refine your ideas, these office hours will be a valuable resource for everyone.

Once again, thank you all for your dedication and participation in the weekly workshops. We’ve seen consistent improvement, and your enthusiasm and effort will only lead to greater success. Keep working hard, and remember to stay engaged with the content, keep up with your independent practice, and reach out to your point person if you need anything.

Let’s keep pushing forward and finish the semester strong!

Cheers,

Joann.