Civic Engagement at Westover: BSU Attends The Great Debate

By: Abby Leyson 

On Friday, November 1, members of Westover’s Black Student Union (BSU) attended The Great Debate between Howard University and Yale University at the First Cathedral in Bloomfield. Since 2009, the NAACP has hosted The Great Debate as an opportunity for college-level debate teams to take on current social, cultural, and political issues in front of an audience of students ranging from middle to high school. 

This was an incredible opportunity for Westover students, faculty, and staff to take part in, especially given the civic discourse the Westover community has practiced throughout the fall semester in light of the 2024 presidential election. 

“Witnessing the Yale vs. Howard debate was a fight of intellect and wordplay,” said BSU Head Erica J. ’25. “Each speaker was so passionately clear with their arguments that it sent you deep in thought. The energy in the room was electric while the students of the two universities aired their views. This was one of those moments that showed the power of dialogue and how important it is to understand other people's views. It was educational, but at the same time, this also encouraged the future leaders to enhance and voice their concerns.”

Erica’s peers who attended The Great Debate echoed her thoughts and shared what they took away from witnessing Howard and Yale debate about the banning of social media platform TikTok in the U.S. and nepotism in the professional sports industry. 

Kershelle M. ’27 shared, “It was a very fun and insightful experience to be able to see a live debate between an Ivy League school and HBCU. I learned that it is important to be prepared to cover both sides of the debate, especially when faced with defending the unpopular side. I think the debaters did a good job at defending their side even if they may not have actually believed it they still remained convincing. It was also interesting to see their passion on the topics while being respectful.”

Respect is of utmost importance when it comes to the art of debate. At Westover, respect has always played a vital role in everyday conversations and activities. Since the start of the 2024-2025 school year, Westover’s History Department, Rasin Center, and Community Life Office have spearheaded election programming for community members, ensuring that all are seen and heard. 

From facilitating a viewing party of the presidential debate in September to Assembly presentations highlighting the importance and historical significance of the 2024 presidential election, this fall has been full of learning opportunities for Westover’s community. 

In October, the The Dignity Index, an unbiased eight-point scale used to score speech based on sound bytes, was presented to the entire community. This method has been practiced at Westover and used as a general guide. 

Sophomore Avery N. shared that in addition to Westover’s election programming, her courses, like AP Government, piqued her interest when the opportunity to attend The Great Debate was offered to BSU. Additionally, she joined Model UN this fall. 

“This year, I joined Model UN which has similarities to debate in the sense of putting yourself out there, sharing what you think, and representing an idea or situation. You have to be open and confident.” – Avery N. ’27

Much to Westover students’ surprise, both collegiate teams earned a trophy for their efforts that morning. 

“Since there was no actual winner, it showed that it was up to you as to who won each question,” Avery continued. “They were all really respectful and, if anything, that’s the thing to take away with the current election, too. Whether the results come out tomorrow or a week from now, we have to be respectful and kind.” 

Head of School Polly Fredlund echoed Avery’s thoughts at Assembly yesterday morning, emphasizing the unique position a girls-centered education provides by creating a community in which students are empowered to see themselves in leadership positions during their time at Westover and beyond. 

“Here, you are emboldened by a community in which girls lead the way. You learn the impact of your actions and the power of your voice. It is then up to each of you to make a difference in the world by centering your values, exercising your right to vote, and stepping into civic and political engagement in meaningful ways.” – Ms. Fredlund

To close Assembly, Ms. Fredlund read Democracy by Langston Hughes, setting the tone for the days to come:

Democracy will not come 

Today, this year 

   Nor ever, 

Through compromise and fear. 
 

I have as much right

As the other fellow has 

To stand 

On my two feet 

And own the land. 
 

I tire so of hearing people say, 

Let things take their course. 

Tomorrow is another day. 

I do not need my freedom when I’m dead. 
 

I cannot live on tomorrow’s bread. 
 

      Freedom

      Is a strong seed 

      Planted

      In a great need.
 

      I live here, too. 

      I want freedom 

      Just as you.