The Great Debate!

On Wednesday November 30, 2011, Beta Kappa Psi, Black and Latino Fraternity  Incorporated joined together with students and alumni of Kean University to debate issues and topics of interest.

"The  Great Debate" consisted of a  PowerPoint presentation that displayed multiple topics such as: marijuana, the death penalty, gay marriage, abortion, sports, war, music, and social networking. The event was hosted by Gerard Smithwrick, the president of his chapter, Beta Kappa Psi. All of the participants anxiously prepared for the evening's debate -- practicing presentations and speeches days in advance.

Before the debate commenced, rules and regulations were discussed, in order to prevent any disputes and miscommunication; focusing solely on the topic being deliberated. The first topic being debated was the legalization of marijuana. As thoughts and opinions stirred up, the head speaker's of both the affirmative and negative side began. Beliefs and factual evidence stormed up clouds of disagreement. Energized students began to throw thoughts and valid evidence back and forth. More students seem to agree with the legalization of marijuana, for medicinal and taxation purposes -- in turn -- fuelling the economy.The next issue being debated was pornography. "Is the viewing of pornography while being in a committed relationship cheating?" A lot of the students disagreed because they believed that it was equivalent to viewing a sexual scene in film. Others believed it was cheating because it was fantasizing about an individual whom is not that person's spouse.

Students and alumni enjoyed the inviting atmosphere which Beta Kappa Psi offered. Participants distributed their knowledge about certain issues, allowing students to learn from one another; "I think that this was an educational experience which gave me the opportunity to see different issues outside my own. It allowed me to expand my horizons," says 2009 graduate and former accounting major, Jamal Ali.

The Great Debate enabled students to voice their opinions, while rejoinding the opinions of others -- opinions contrary to their own. Seldom are students provided with the opportunity to voice themselves in a safe, intelligent, but friendly environment -- the environment provided by Beta Kappa Psi.