University of Texas at Austin students, faculty, and staff are invited to join a respectful conversation touching all sides of a challenging issue. Braver Angels debates are not competitive, but a provide a deep experience of civil discourse. Conducted in a light parliamentary style, they teach students to engage with each other respectfully around difficult, polarizing issues. Students think together, listen carefully, and allow themselves to be touched and even changed by each other’s ideas. Participants emerge with greater empathy and appreciation for diversity of thought.

Sponsored by Civitas Institute, this collegiate debate is free and brought to you with the support of a partnership of Braver Angels, BridgeUSA, and the American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA), non-profit organizations that believe in the power of free expression and respectful exchange of ideas on America’s college campuses.

Questions? Contact Allison Smythe — asmythe@utexas.edu

Registration for this debate will be open until the scheduled starting time of 6:30 PM Central Time on Wednesday, November 9.

To learn more about Braver Angels collegiate debates, you can view this video of a sample debate (2 minutes). If you are new to our debates, this two-minute video will help you get started. This file might help you understand the debate process that we use.

We’ll see you there!