Drag Show Debate Sparks Online Controversy

By Dawson Beard, Skyline Desk Chief

ALPINE – Sul Ross State University’s Pre-Law Association sparked online controversy with the announcement of their next debate topic, “Are drag shows harmful to kids?,” on social media. 

Many members of the Sul Ross State University Facebook community expressed their distaste for the chosen topic, taking to the comment section of a post advertising the event. 

Comments such as “It’s a sad day to be a Lobo,” “Is this really what we’re sending our kids to college for?,” and “F*** drag shows? Evil at its finest!” came flooding in. 

The debate topic brought with it allegations from an unknown Facebook user claiming that the Braver Angels, the non-profit organization that moderated the debate, are a “far right” organization, a claim Braver Angels and the SRSU Pre-Law Association vehemently deny. 

“Braver Angels is made up of members from across the political spectrum, and they are intentional about trying to keep a balance—and even struggle to get conservative voices,” said Jessica Velasco, the advisor of SRSU’s Pre-Law Association, in response to the criticism. 

The Braver Angels are a non-profit organization that aims to bridge the partisan divide that is so prevalent in our country by moderating non-competitive events that encourage productive discussion such as the five debates they have moderated for  Sul Ross’ Pre-Law Association. 

In the past, the Sul Ross Pre-Law Association has debated the most controversial topics dividing the nation today such as student debt forgiveness, abortion and transgender athletes in women’s sports.  

“The planning for the debate started early this semester,” said Jessica Velasco, the advisor of SRSU’s Pre-Law Association. “The Pre-Law Association brainstormed a list of possible topics for the debate. The list included a variety of issues—immigration, drugs, school vouchers, open AI and other issues that are being debated among individuals and in legislative bodies across our country. We then crafted resolutions for each of the topics. These were then tested out with an online poll that was open to any campus community member to complete...Once we closed the poll, we looked for a resolution that provided as close to equal support on both sides. Debating a resolution that has balanced support provides us with the best opportunity for a meaningful debate.” 

On November 16, the night of the debate, more than 30 SRSU students and members of the community logged into the Zoom meeting. The Pre-Law Association pre-selected four of their members for the debate, two representing each side. The floor was then open for anyone in attendance to debate the topic from either side. 

The debate went just as planned.  

The moderator, Cheyanne Rider, a dual-enrolled student at Oregon State University and Linn Benton Community College, ensured the debate was orderly, civil and productive.  

Overall, participants believed the debate was a success. 

“I commend everyone for remaining civil and open to other perspectives,” said one of the debaters. “That’s something I wish more people in this country were willing to do.”