Rhea Heritage sponsors first Scopes Festival debate
Two Bryan College students debated the value of school choice April 17 in the same courtroom where William Jennings Bryan and Clarence Darrow debated a school choice issue in 1925.
This was the first debate sponsored by the Rhea Heritage Preservation Foundation as part of the annual Scopes Trial Festival. The foundation hopes to make the debate an annual event.
The question at issue in the Lincoln-Douglas style debate was "Should State and Local Governments Implement a School Voucher Program?" The debate explored the benefits and challenges of school voucher programs, which allow public education funds to be used for private school tuition or other education-related expenses. Supporters argue that vouchers increase access to quality education and promote competition, while critics warn they could weaken public schools and lead to inequities in education.
The debaters included Ella Lipscomb of Cleveland arguing in the affirmative and Nathanael Butler of Sale Creek arguing in the negative. Judges awarded the round to Lipscomb arguing in the affirmative.
One hundred years ago this July Bryan and Darrow argued whether evolution should be taught in Tennessee public schools.
Want to watch Bryan and Darrow reprise their epic debate this July? Visit Scopes100.com for more information.
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