Mightier
Debates

High School Debaters Tackle Divisive Issues in Showcase at Newsweek Office

by Jack Haley

Newsweek Is A Trust Project Member

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Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.

Students participating in Newsweek's in-office debate event on Friday, April 14 had the chance to meet with Newsweek executives and staff, including (left) podcast host and host of the evening's debates Kristal Knight, (second from left) Chief Strategy Officer Dayan Candappa and (right) Global Editor-in-Chief Nancy Cooper. Jackie Molloy for Newsweek

Apr 24, 2023 At 12:35 PM EDT

Newsweek hosted eight high school students from Denver, Silicon Valley and Washington, D.C., on April 14 at its global headquarters at One World Trade Center in New York City as part of the publication's partnership with the National Association for Urban Debate Leagues (NAUDL).

Mightier, as the debate-focused initiative has been named, is the latest part of Newsweek's ongoing mission to find areas of agreement within divisive issues and provide spaces for open and honest discourse.

Rhonda Haynes, executive director for NAUDL, noted the significance of the partnership for both organizations, saying it represents "the power of longevity as well as the promise of young perspective in debate."

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Above, Newsweek Global Editor-in-Chief Nancy Cooper and National Association for Urban Debate Leagues Executive Director Rhonda Haynes celebrate the two organizations' partnership at Newsweek's One World Trade headquarters on April 14. The joint initiative called... Above, Newsweek Global Editor-in-Chief Nancy Cooper and National Association for Urban Debate Leagues Executive Director Rhonda Haynes celebrate the two organizations' partnership at Newsweek's One World Trade headquarters on April 14. The joint initiative called Mightier aims to foster civil discourse among young people. More Jackie Molloy for Newsweek

"These high school students have demonstrated their passion for the exchange of ideas. They see—and remind us of—the power of debate, and the crucial role it plays in encouraging those around us to seek common ground," Newsweek Global Editor-in-Chief Nancy Cooper said about the partnership.

After a visit to the New York International Auto Show, students met with Newsweek staff and executives and toured the One World Trade Center office before participating in a live debate showcase.

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Ruby Trejo-Ontiveros (left) and Alliton Flores Sanchez (right) are pictured during the A Mightier Tomorrow debate event at Newsweek headquarters, hosted by Kristal Knight (center). The debaters, who focused on immigration policy, are both members of the Denver Urban Debate League. Jackie Molloy for Newsweek

Newsweek x NAUDL 10 HOMEPAGE

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Noemie Durand (left) and Haven Howard (right) participated in a live debate. The two Washington Urban Debate League members covered the topic of affirmative action during the event put on by Newsweek and the National Association for Urban Debate Leagues (NAUDL). Jackie Molloy for Newsweek

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Student debater Isabella Long (at podium) delivers remarks at Newsweek headquarters. The in-office debate, moderated by Newsweek's Kris Knight (right, seated), was held to introduce the new content hub Mightier, a name that plays off of the adage "the pen is mightier than the sword." Jackie Molloy for Newsweek

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Before the live debate, students had the opportunity to visit the Javits Center to see the New York International Auto Show. Haven Howard from Washington, D.C., jumped behind the wheel of a white convertible. Jackie Molloy for Newsweek

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Noemie Durand from Washington, D.C., is pictured at the New York International Auto Show before heading to Newsweek headquarters. Jackie Molloy for Newsweek

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Students participating in Newsweek and NAUDL's new Mightier initiative snap a selfie while on the way to the New York Auto Show. The students came from three different Urban Debate leagues across the country to participate in a live debate at Newsweek's global headquarters. Jackie Molloy for Newsweek

The students who took part in the debate were selected based on skills demonstrated while participating in NAUDL's signature debate series, I RESOLVE. The debate topics included immigration, artificial intelligence in the workplace, climate optimism and affirmative action.

While less formal than other Urban Debate events, the evening's activities allowed students time to posit constructive arguments, cross examine each other and provide rebuttal statements.

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Newsweek and NAUDL executives celebrated their partnership at Newsweek's One World Trade Center headquarters. Newsweek and NAUDL executives celebrated their partnership at Newsweek's One World Trade Center headquarters. Jackie Molloy for Newsweek

Alongside the students debating, Newsweek and NAUDL executives addressed the crowd to share their excitement around the new collaboration.

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Executives from both Newsweek and NAUDL were wowed by the students during the live debate event. Executives from both Newsweek and NAUDL were wowed by the students during the live debate event. Jackie Molloy for Newsweek

"We live in a polarized country," said Tom Rogers, editor-at-large for Newsweek. "And there is no cure for that other than to expose people to both sides of controversial issues of public importance, and debate certainly does it."

Newsweek Global Chief Commercial and Growth Officer Kevin Gentzel highlighted the skills that organized debate equips students with in preparation for higher education and beyond.

"This ability to share with others in a way they will not only understand but perhaps then implement is a gift," he said. "And it is a gift that will serve you well, I promise you."

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NAUDL, founded in 2004, backs more than 20 organizations across the country—predominantly focusing on underserved communities—to help foster "critical thinking, communication and collaboration skills," according to its website.

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Students participating in Newsweek and NAUDL's live debate event get their first view of Manhattan from above in the Sky Lobby on the 64th floor of One World Trade Center. Students participating in Newsweek and NAUDL's live debate event get their first view of Manhattan from above in the Sky Lobby on the 64th floor of One World Trade Center. Jackie Molloy for Newsweek

Along with their visit to the Big Apple, the students will also appear in various episodes of Newsweek's The Debate podcast and will be featured on the Mightier digital content hub, which centers on youth debate.

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