The library is the academic heart of campus, the one scholarly space that everyone shares. In this shared space, Mabee Library takes seriously the University’s mission to create educated citizens who live the Washburn motto, Non Nobis Solum, and who, after graduation, go out into their communities and transform them for the good of the whole. We believe students can only effectively do this by beginning the process of civic engagement during their university experience, where they can tie civic and political activities to the larger narrative of what it means to be an Ichabod.
Overview
With this mission in mind, Mabee Library sponsors Debate Watches during general election years. These events are free and open to the public, but are particularly geared at helping students think through critical issues related to democracy, community and the political process. To this end, we invite experts in political science, history, communication, mass media, law and related fields to provide a brief lecture before each debate begins, giving students a theme to keep in mind or key points to watch for. We then watch the debate together, usually over pizza, and discuss interesting issues at its conclusion.
These events are immensely popular with students. In years past, more than 400 students have crammed around the TVs on the main floor of Mabee Library to watch each debate.
The Need
In an age concerned with political civility, Debate Watches teach students about the role of dissent and disagreement in a thriving democracy, and about the importance of information literacy: the ability to find trustworthy information, analyze it and use it ethically.
Give today to support Mabee Library’s 2020 Debate Watch programming, and help students experience democracy first-hand.
