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Welcome to the Chico Great Debate

Mark the date: The next Chico Great Debate is on April 13, 2012 in the City Council Chambers.

The purpose of the Chico Great Debate is to bring together members of the campus and community to investigate and engage in dialogue around a “hot topic” that has the potential to divide us.  The day of presentations and debates stresses active listening, respectful exchange, and collaborative civic learning through civil discourse. For the first time, we have added a community-member storytelling component.

Throughout the day, students from various Communication Studies classes give presentations and conduct debates focused on a chosen "hot topic." In the evening, at 6:30, there is a formal debate by CSU, Chico Debate Team members and stakeholder Community Members. To Learn more email us at greatdebate@csuchico.edu

Great Debate Overview Video

Watch the Great Debate overview video



Current Debate Issue

This spring's Great Debate will focus on issues of free speech.  

Great Debate Spring 2012 Brochure (pdf)

Debate Schedule

9:00 - 10:15 a.m. Presentations/Debates
10:30 - 11:45 a.m. Presentations/Debates
12:00 - 1:15 p.m. Presentations/Debates
2:00 - 3:15 p.m. Presentations/Debates
3:30 - 4:45 p.m. Presentations/Debates (on SOPA and PIPA)
5:00-6:15 p.m Discussion Session on SOPA and PIPA
5:00 - 6:15 p.m. Presentations/Debates
6:30 p.m.

Main Event Debates (CSUC & Community Member Debate Team

Spring 2012 Evening Debate Question: "Should California enact policies prohibiting the camping, sleeping and storing of personal belongings on public grounds not designated for such usage?"

Interactive Civic Expo

11:00 - 1:00 p.m.

At the Civic Expo, an interactive museum presented by CSU, Chico students, attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about education reform in California and beyond, and will have the chance to share their perspectives on this important issue.

Previous Debate Issues

  • Spring 2010: Should California Legalize Marijuana?
  • Fall 2010: Should California Repeal the Global Warming Solutions Act?
  • Spring 2011: Should California Increase Restrictions on Immigration?
  • Fall 2011:  Would policies to increase teacher accountability through merit pay and/or ending tenure improve K-12 education in the State of California?

Chico Stories: Personal Stories about Public Issues

In Spring 2011, we introduced the storytelling component of the Chico Great Debate. Community volunteers served as story receivers to those who were willing to tell their personal stories of immigration. Click below to hear these recorded stories.