UNI Speech and Debate and the Center for Holocaust and Genocide Education are organizing a public debate on the topic, “Resolved: The United States Should Officially Recognize the Armenian Genocide."
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, often called the “first genocide of the twentieth century.” Although the Republic of Turkey has steadfastly denied that the event in question was a genocide, there is almost unanimous agreement among historians and genocide scholars that the Armenians of the Ottoman Empire were the victims of genocide. Many countries have officially recognized the Armenian Genocide; others, including the United States, have not. For many countries, the issue of recognizing the Armenian Genocide dramatizes the frequent conflict in foreign policy between moral and pragmatic priorities.
Two members of UNI Speech and Debate will debate each other. The debate format will offer the audience the opportunity to provide commentary and feedback during the debate that the debaters may use in their closing statements.
This event is free and open to the public.