Dozens of panels and discussions about the war in Iraq have come and gone, but tonight's debate will provide an opportunity for increased student participation.
Instead of listening to esteemed professors or political authorities, students will have the opportunity to hear the opinions of their fellow students in the "Student Debate on Iraq."
Dean James Sofka, an assistant professor in the politicsdepartment, will moderate the debate, which will take place in Rouss 202 from 7 to 9 p.m.
Two students will represent the viewpoints of each side of the debate.
First-year College student Danny Eaton and second-year College student Jeremy Williams will argue in favor of the war in Iraq.
Williams said he heard about the debate from Matt Kindig, a co-founder of the Anti-War Coalition, who is helping to organize the event. He said Kindig asked the College Republicans for participants, although the debaters are not representing any organizations.
Williams said he prepared for the debate by meeting with Eaton to plan their arguments and by reading hundreds of online articles about the war.
He said he expects the debate will focus on issues such as chemical weapons, terrorism and the will of the Iraqi people.
The opposing view will be presented by third-year Engineering student Ahson Wordok and third-year College student Ian Amelkin.
Amelkin said he heard about the debate through the University Democrats, of which he is president. He said he is glad to take advantage of any opportunity to publicize the anti-war viewpoint.
"I've long been against any armed conflict that's unnecessary," Amelkin said.
Amelkin also said he thinks the actions of the U.S. in Iraq are a poor practice for both political and moral reasons.
He said he planned to meet with Wardak last night.
Amelkin also said he felt additional preparation would be minimal because he has been following the war in detail since it began. Preparation will consist primarily of compiling statistics such as "how many Iraqis have died from our negligence," he said.
"Just because the war already started and it looks like we're winning doesn't mean students should support it tacitly," Amelkin added.
The debate will be followed by an open floor discussion to involve audience members, Williams said.
"It's going to be a really good informational setting," he added.
The debate is cosponsored by the Student Council Legislative Affairs Committee and the Anti-war Coalition at the University.
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