CIS University kicked off the new Debate Club season with a very special audience. This time, club teams had the opportunity to hold the first debate of the semester in front of an invited group from Colegio Santa María de los Rosales school, whose third-year students visited our campus to watch and take part in, a live, university-style debate.
Coordinated by professors Karyn Suárez and Alex Feldman, the event centered on a timely question: “Is it justifiable for a democratic government to surveil its own citizens?” It was a topic that drew strong interest for its ethical complexity and political and social implications.
Arguing in favor of government surveillance were students Theo Svistunov, Zeno Balich, Viktor Ludvig Stellmach, and Diego Cid. The opposing team: Paula Ruiz, Lucas Murphy, Louis Mateo Joy, and Mouad Cherate, defended privacy and individual freedoms. Both sides delivered a high-level exchange marked by strong evidence, quick rebuttals, and the ability to respond to opponents’ points with rigor and respect. After an intense and balanced deliberation, the pro-surveillance team emerged victorious based on the audience’s votes.
A debate with a very special audience
The visiting students from Colegio Santa María de los Rosales School enjoyed the experience, noting the chance to see first-hand how an academic debate, so characteristic of an American university setting, is organized, structured, and conducted. For many, it was a surprising and inspiring introduction to public speaking, persuasive communication, and critical thinking.
CIS University thanks all participants, both our students and our guests, for the enthusiasm, interest, and commitment shown throughout the event. Activities like this embody our educational mission: to promote dialogue, analysis, and the building of ideas in an environment of respect, collaboration, and shared learning. We look forward to the next debate!