Public Debate Set For Sept. 14

Is universal basic income our next generation’s future?

That is the question that will be deliberated at the Cornell Speech and Debate Society public debate from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 14 at ILR’s 570 Lexington Ave. location in New York City. 

"Public debates like this bring out the best of what Cornell and ILR represent – civil discourse, intellectual inquiry  and critical thinking,” said Sam Nelson, director of the speech and debate programs, based at ILR. “Cornell Speech and Debate proud to promote these values as an important part of the mission of ILR."

"The issue of the universal basic income is timely and goes to the heart of how our society may deal with impending changes in the labor market due to globalization and technological innovation,” Nelson said.

Given this reality, is the U.S. at a point where it needs to consider a system that provides a universal basic income to all citizens, regardless of need or economic circumstances? This multifaceted topic is gaining traction in mainstream political discourse as a solution to predicted unemployment problems driven by automation. 

Cornell student debaters – Carson Crane, A&S ’22, Victor Rieman ’21, Alice Kreher, HE ’21, and Jin Mo Koo, A&S ’22 – chosen based on their success and commitment to speech and debate program during the past year, will explore both sides of the issue.

The family-friendly event, sponsored by both ILR Alumni Affairs and Development and Cornell Alumni Affairs and Development, will begin with remarks by Alexander Colvin, Ph.D. ’99., the Kenneth F. Kahn '69 Dean and Martin F. Scheinman Professor of Conflict Resolution.

For more information or to register, click here.