October 29, 2024 | By Sarah Mayper
BDL amplifies and facilitates critical discourse in community
Voters all over the Commonwealth have to consider not only elections, but also multiple ballot questions. One of these, Question 2, focused on whether or not to eliminate the MCAS, a state-mandated exam, as a graduation requirement. Since Boston Debate League (BDL) debaters not only have a deep understanding of the test through personal experience in their schools, but the skills of argumentation, we knew that they could help voters make informed decisions about how to vote on the question.
“I’m definitely thinking more about the immigrant children. I used to only think about the kids who just wanted to get out of high school and not go to college. This definitely gave me a new pov.”
Voters all over the Commonwealth have to consider not only elections, but also multiple ballot questions. One of these, Question 2, focused on whether or not to eliminate the MCAS, a state-mandated exam, as a graduation requirement. Since Boston Debate League (BDL) debaters not only have a deep understanding of the test through personal experience in their schools, but the skills of argumentation, we knew that they could help voters make informed decisions about how to vote on the question.
On Wednesday October 23, at Roxbury Community College, the BDL brought together experts on both sides of the debate as well as debaters and their coaches, who were assigned either the YES or NO position, just as they are for debate tournaments. Using their training, these young people cross-examined the experts and presented strong closing statements, all informed by evidence, rather than personal opinions.
Arguing to eliminate the requirement (YES on 2) was Farah Assiraj, CEO of cairEDucation; Pam Doiley, BPS educator at Ruth Batson Academy; and Reychelle Wright, BDL debater at Ruth Batson Academy. Arguing to maintain the requirement (NO on 2) was Will Austin, Executive Director of the Boston Schools Fund; Juan Gomez, BPS educator at Margarita Muñiz Academy; and Daniel Martinez, BDL debater at Margarita Muñiz Academy.
Attendees from schools, community organizations, and a wide array of interested voters learned more about the ballot question and considered arguments for both sides. Seated at tables hosted by young people from our partner organizations 826 Boston and WriteBoston, groups weighed in through instant polls about how and if their opinions had changed.
The evening reflected the BDL’s specific emphasis on evidence-based argumentation and critical discourse in community. Attendees’ reaction when asked “Something I am thinking about in a new or deepened way (if anything)…” included:
To reference the materials debaters used to prepare and build their arguments, click here to view the Evidence Packet and watch the full debate here.
In 2021, Kim Willingham was named Executive Director – the first woman and first Black leader – of the Boston Debate League. Before being named ED, Kim served as the BDL’s Director of Culture and Engagement and prior to that as an Instructional Coach on the Debate-Inspired Classrooms team. Throughout her 20+ years in education, Kim has held multiple leadership positions. She began her career as a Teach for America Corps Member in the Crescent City – New Orleans, LA – where she taught 6th grade ELA and Social Studies. Kim earned an EdM from Harvard Graduate School of Education and a BS from Eastern Michigan University. Her experience also includes several years in school leadership and education consulting. Originally from the Motor City, she now resides in Dorchester with her two children. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time in nature. Kim is grateful for the joy she gets to experience daily working with the students, teachers, volunteers, and staff of the BDL community.