Speak Out Week: The Great Debate + Dinner

The Great Debate is an exciting, high-energy event where LBS students passionately discuss and challenge each other on some of today’s most pressing and controversial topics. With spirited arguments for and against key issues, this debate promises to engage and inspire both participants and the audience by encouraging open dialogue and a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives on matters impacting our community.

This year, over 100 LBS students voted on the topics, resulting in the selection of three thought-provoking issues:

• Topic 1: Should male and female athletes receive equal pay in sports like soccer and cricket, even if the revenue they generate differs?
• Topic 2: Is it beneficial for LBS to have a strict attendance policy, or does this undermine students' autonomy and time management?
• Topic 3: To what extent do privilege and wealth create an uneven playing field, impacting group dynamics and the student experience at LBS?

 Eighteen debaters, representing various LBS programs, will form teams to deliver compelling arguments and engage the audience in each topic.

Debate Dynamics:

1. Audience Voting: Before each debate, the crowd will vote on where they stand on the issue.

2. Debate Format:

   • Opening Statements: Each of the four main debaters will present their arguments with a 2-minute time limit.
   • Fireside Question: The final two debaters will have a chance to respond to a surprise question, with 1 minute each to reply.
   • Audience Q&A: The crowd will be invited to pose questions to the debaters, with each response limited to 1 minute.
   • Closing Statements: Each team will deliver a 1-minute summary to close their position.

3. Post-Debate Vote: After each topic, the audience will vote again. The team with the greatest positive shift in votes wins the debate for that topic.

Prizes & Dinner:

Winners will receive exciting prizes, adding a competitive edge to the event. Additionally, dinner, snacks, and drinks—including alcoholic beverages—will be served, providing a relaxed environment for continued conversation and networking after each debate.

Join us for an evening that promises intense exchanges, new insights, and community connection over critical issues!

Debaters:

Topic 1: Equal Gender Salary Gap In Sport

• Favour: 
  • Palash Maheshwari
  • Archit Dikshit
  • Harsha Sankar
• Against:
  • Brian Dsouza
  • Aminat Sokunbi
  • Josh Chilton

Topic 2: Strict Attendance Policy in LBS

• Favour: 
  • Charlie Palmer
  • Eyal Biram
  • Vishanth Vinoth
• Against:
  • Maite Guerrero
  • Paavni Grover
  • Abe Fangman

Topic 3: Wealth and Priviledge are a key factor in creating an uneven field in LBS

• Favour: 

  • Jag Singh

  • Keerthi Pothina
  • Navya Garg
• Against:
  • Namah Singh
  • Angela Chan
  • Emin Deniz Baskaya

 

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Co-hosted with: Women in Business Club, Out in Business Club, Black in Business Club, First-Generation, Low or Intermediate Income Club

Contact the organizers