Should hate speech be criminalized?

Seawolf Debate to host Backbenchers’ Bowl on Oct. 10

Sept. 28, 2017

UAA’s Seawolf Debate program is slated to explore yet another controversial topic during its Oct. 10 Backbenchers’ Bowl, pitting the team’s alumni members against current debaters. The event is being held in conjunction with UAA’s Homecoming festivities.

The debate will tackle whether hate speech should be criminalized. Debaters will examine a number of questions: Does the marketplace of ideas really work to determine which ideas have value and which do not? What is the difference between speech that must be protected and speech that offers no value to our democratic debate? Can the very language we use be considered violent?

Join the Seawolf Debate program for an evening of intense exchange, insightful analysis and enlightening argument. The debate will take place from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Recital Hall on the first floor of the UAA Fine Arts Building, located at 3700 Alumni Drive. Parking in the building’s lot is free.

Tickets are on sale now at UAATix.com. UAA students can purchase tickets for $5 in advance and $10 at the door. General admission is $10 in advance and $15 at the door.

For more information, please contact Steven Johnson, director of the Seawolf Debate program, at 907-786-4391 or sljohnson@alaska.edu.

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