| Notes |
The students then commenced the debate, which was focused on mandatory minimum sentences. The Tulsa team took the affirmative position that we must end mandatory minimums and reform our criminal justice system, while the Boston team took the negative position, claiming mandatory minimums ensure serious offenders see justice. It was a lively discussion to say the least and the audience showed their support with virtual hearts, claps and high fives. Five “celebrity” judges oversaw the event including Tulsa Superintendent Deborah Gist, Boston-area Professor of Education Stacy Birdsell, and CBS News Anchor Anne Marie Green. Each debate league was also represented on the judges panel, with Mike Haskins from the Tulsa Debate League and Raymond Tejeda from Boston Debate League. It was a split decision 3-2, but Boston was ultimately named the winning team while the top speaker award went to one of the debaters from Tulsa. All four debaters were awarded scholarship money for their participation and the crowd went wild – with virtual fireworks going off to celebrate their accomplishments. |