Max Hall and Cait Speaker

Groups host debate on women's studies

The non-profit Intercollegiate Studies Institute brought the national Cicero's Podium lecture series to Newcomb Ballroom last night to host a debate about the role of women's studies programs on college campuses nationwide. The debate, titled "Are We Getting it Right?," was cosponsored by the Network of Enlightened Women, Feminism is for Everyone, the College Republicans, The Virginia Advocate, the Jefferson Literary and Debating Society and the Washington Literary Society and Debating Union. Feminist author and activist Amy Richards began the debate by expressing her support for the creation of women's studies programs on college campuses, claiming the programs serve as a means of broadening students' perspectives and raising awareness about women's concerns. Conservative author Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse countered Richards' support of women's studies programs, calling for increased emphasis on men's roles in society given the high rate of male suicide. "I will argue that there is no legitimate reason why the taxpayers of Virginia should support an academic department devoted solely to the study of women," Morse said.