The esteemed Brooks Quimby Debate Council has already held two successful public debates this year. The resolution for the first debate was "This House believes that the national drinking age should be lowered to eighteen." This was related to a petition which several presidents of our peer institutions have signed, calling for reconsideration of the drinking age due to the ineffectiveness of the status quo. After much discussion, Bates' administration opted not to participate in the initiative, but the issue remains both germane and highly contentious on campus. This heated public debate helped us share our talent with the Bates community and recruit a large and capable novice class.

Our second debate of the year was over Parents' Weekend, where we debated whether legacy should be considered in the admissions process at Bates. This resolution was intended to provide a spirited discussion on an issue that is particularly relevant for parents of young college students. Additionally, we sought to remind parents and students alike of the social inequality which still plagues the admissions process. The audience was incredibly engaged, and we entertained several floor speeches from Bates parents. In the end, a floor vote showed that the audience favored maintaining a preference for legacies by
a slim margin.

There will be several more public debates this year. Some events we look forward to are a joint debate with BEAM (Bates Energy Action Movement), our Martin Luther King, Jr. Day event with Morehouse College, and the annual Bates vs. Yale debate. Public debates are a great way to share our accomplishments with the Bates community, and to help people to realize the importance of discourse and critical thought in our daily lives. What excites me most about this class is how dedicated and ambitious they have been from day one. Debate has been a large part of my life these last four years, and it's reassuring to know that the younger students will be here to carry the torch long after the seniors have graduated. Even with the changes that have come this year, we strive to remain true to the spirit of the Brooks Quimby Debate Council. More so than ever, we understand the importance of passing down our many traditions and rich history, just as they were passed on to us.