Pepperdine’s College Libertarians will host their first major event tonight a debate in which they will take on College Republicans and Young Democrats.
Beginning at 7 p.m. in the HAWC students will spar over some of the most contentious issues facing the nation: the stimulus package gay rights and health care.
College Libertarians Secretary Elisha Soch a junior said she is excited to bring attention to the group founded in the fall of 2008.
“I think it’s really important because I’m a junior and I haven’t seen much involvement between the different [political] groups on campus said Soch, who organized the event. I just really want to inform students about these issues and also bring attention to College Libertarians.”
Prior to the debate students could submit written questions at the College Liberations’ table in the Waves Café which they staffed from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day this week. Students may also submit questions at the debate.
Computer science professor Stanley Warford will moderate the debate. Each issue will consist of three rounds and two representatives from each group may participate per topic.
Soch said the debate on gay rights has the potential to get heated but she hopes to keep the discussion focused on gay rights in general rather than Proposition 8.
“We are trying to pull away from Prop 8 but I’m sure the issue will arise Soch said.
Emerson Siegle, president of Young Democrats, said the purpose of the event is to raise awareness about ongoing issues, not to determine winners or losers. He said the debate is an important reminder for students that politics still matters, even after election season is over.
I’m not up there debating for myself Seigle said. It’s about providing one voice in a bigger discussion.”
For the College Republicans the debate is an opportunity to articulate the conservative response to many of President Obama’s policies.
“We feel that it is not only an interest of ours but it is also our duty to address these new policies said College Republicans President Chris Garcia. These are policies that will transform the fundamentals that have made America the strong nation it is today.”
Senior Julian Williams hopes the Libertarians will be understood more clearly after the debate.
“I hope it will work out for this new group Williams said. Libertarian views are less extreme then the far left or right and are just as applicable.”
The debate is scheduled to occur from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on the second floor of the HAWC. College Libertarians officials said they encourage all students to come with questions for debaters. Free pizza will be provided.