Political debate isn’t supposed to feel scary, but lately, it does. Students hesitate to share opinions out of fear of being judged, labeled, or dismissed.
A new club, Forum Debate Society, was founded this fall by juniors Madalyn Paltzik and Caden Huckelbridge to encourage positive discussions. Years ago, Hucklebridge and Paltzik began discussing current events and issues, largely based on politics. Quick conversations in the Quad grew into multi-hour phone calls and never-ending text chains as both of them grew comfortable and more knowledgeable in their stances, even though they often disagreed. From this emerged an idea to create something bigger: a space where people can actually talk to each other again.
Led at PCDS by the founders alongside fellow juniors Isa Galá and Wesley Tarbell, Forum Debate Society isn’t about “winning” an argument. It’s about understanding why people believe what they believe, learning to listen, and expressing your own thoughts with confidence and respect. Every week, leaders of the club choose a major issue, ranging from immigration and healthcare to gun violence or the current government administration, where structured and open discussions are held, where everyone’s voice matters.
The club also hopes to launch a podcast that captures the conversational spirit of the forum. The podcast will also open a forum away from the spotlight and pressures of an audience. With the podcast, the club can grow even beyond PCDS.
Ultimately, the club is about more than debating politics—it’s about restoring the lost art of conversation.
