Jodi Solomon Speakers: Debates

Interactive Conversations: Debates on Today's Controversial Issues

Should gay and lesbian couples be allowed to marry legally? Author and philosophy professor Richard Mohr proposes that giving same-sex couples equal rights is just another step in a longer ongoing evolution of marriage as an institution. Attorney and legal scholar Dwight G. Duncan argues that “gay marriage” is simply another attempt to normalize homosexual behavior.

Abortion Debate

Tackling one of today's most controversial subjects, Elizabeth Arndorfer, former director of NARAL Pro-Choice America's Proactive Policy Institute, debates Mary Hallan-FioRito, a Chicago-area attorney involved with the pro-life movement for more than 20 years. Two eloquent and informed presenters, who believe strongly in their positions, ensuring a powerful presentation.

Affirmative Action Debate

Author of When Sorry Isn't Enough: The Controversy Over Apologies and Reparations for Human Injustice, attorney and law professor Roy L. Brooks is an internationally renowned scholar on reparations. He challenges Reginald Jones, an entertainer/entrepreneur and lecturer. He is the lead spokesman for the African American leadership group, Project 21.

Cloning/Stem Cell Debate

Now that scientists have successfully cloned animals, should we begin cloning people? Dr. Gregory Pence, one of the few leaders in bio-ethics to oppose a federal ban on human cloning, debates Nigel Cameron who has an international reputation as a commentator on bioethics and biotech issues and has been published widely in his academic fields of theology and bioethics.

Holocaust Dialogue

Dr. Zohara Boyd and Dr. Peter Petschauer were both children in Europe during World War II, but had very different experiences. Dr. Boyd grew up in Poland during the Nazi occupation and obtained documents of a Polish Catholic family to survive. Dr. Petschauer was the son of a SS officer in Germany. They met as academic colleagues and now share their stories and lessons they've learned with people around the nation.

Immigration Debate

How should America deal with the millions of undocumented immigrants living and working among us? Dan Stein, President of the Federation for American Immigration Reform, makes the case that restricting immigration is a matter of national security and economic stability. Human rights activist Enrique Morones, founder of the humanitarian organization Border Angels, reminds us that behind the discussions of policies and national borders are the lives of real people.

Gun Control Debate

David Hardy, a senior attorney for the National Rifle Association, takes a hard-edged line on gun control - he's against it. Michael Beard, founder and President of the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence, is a major player in the DC arena. These two experts on gun control present both sides of a controversial and dangerous topic.

Reparations Debate

How should America address the painful legacy of slavery and racism? A leading scholar and civil rights activist, Roy Brooks debates against Reginald Jones, the lead spokesman for the African American leadership group, Project 21, that African-Americans are owed reparations for the centuries of enslavement their ancestors endured.

Death Penalty Debate

Bud Welch’s daughter, Julie Marie, was killed in the Oklahoma City bombing. In the months after her death, he changed from supporting the death penalty to taking a public stance against it. Mr. Welch debates against columnist for the Boston Globe, lawyer, and pre-eminent spokesman for the conservative nation Jeff Jacoby, a long time proponent of the death penalty.