Event

Why Does Debate Matter?

Sep 23, 2026 |
Cambridge, MA
Back to events

At a time when our nation feels deeply divided, can debate help bridge differences and strengthen our civic discourse?

Go here to view the selection of Immutable screened during “Why Does Debate Matter?” We thank the Ruderman Family Foundation for its support of this event.

Featuring

Speaker

Will Baker

Director, Global Debate Fund
New York University
Speaker

Liv Birnstad

Undergraduate Senior
Harvard University
Moderator

Nancy Gertner

Senior Lecturer on Law
Harvard Law School
Academy Member
Speaker

Norman Jay Ornstein

Resident Scholar
American Enterprise Institute
Academy Member
Welcome Remarks

Laurie L. Patton

President
American Academy of Arts & Sciences
Academy Member
Speaker

Charlie Sadoff

Producer, Director and Editor
Videos
Why Does Debate Matter?
Back to events