Junior advocates boycott of VHSL Debate Championships Debater Fatima Shahbaz cites concerns over safety Siddarth Shankar & Haru Kato Reporters n Dec. 4, Liberty University’s President Jerry Falwell Jr. spoke at the school’s convocation, telling students they should obtain concealed carry permits to “end those Muslims before they walked in,” and “teach them a lesson if they ever showed up here.” Thousands of students cheered in response. Following these comments, some area high school debate teams have reconsidered their plans to attend the Virginia High School League (VHSL) Debate Championships, or states, in April, which Liberty University is hosting. In a nation that rated Muslims more unfavorably than any other religious group in a 2014 Pew Research Center poll, Falwell’s comments have made some Muslim debaters concerned for their safety. Junior Fatima Shahbaz, McLean debate’s novice coordinator, is one of these debaters. “[Falwell] was enticing a race war. He encouraged his students to arm themselves before the Muslims came,” Shahbaz said. Shahbaz said she is not just concerned for her safety but also about how Falwell’s comments relate to the spirit of debate. “Falwell’s ideas are not conducive to what debate stands for—creating a positive and healthy environment to speak your mind and speak your opinions,” she said. “When Falwell comes out and says these violence-inducing things, then that healthy environment is not fostered.” Although McLean’s debate team has not made an official decision on whether or not to boycott the state tournament, Shahbaz said other area schools such as Broad Run and Lake Braddock have done so. However, McLean debate’s sponsor and coach Christina Shin said she does not want to deny students the opportunity to qualify for states. “This is a complicated situation. I would understand why schools would boycott [this event], but I don’t want to close the opportunity for students,” Shin said.
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“I think we need to think through things and not let our emotions get to us.” Shin said she believes the best way of fighting Falwell’s comments might be showing up to the event. “Debate is a tough exercise. You have to be able to deal with offensive and untrue remarks. The spirit of debate is you fight untruths or sometimes exaggerations with truth, statistics and facts,” Shin said. Head captain Susie Choi agreed with Shin’s sentiments. “McLean Debate has not taken any official stance on the boycott. We want the two teams [who could qualify for the VHSL State tournament] to be able to decide whether they want to boycott,” Choi said. Arguably the best—Junior debater Fatima Although Choi does Shahbaz (right) and partner Jessica Boyer not support the boycott, (left) pose at the 2015 Yale Invitational. she said she does support Shahbaz is advocating for a boycott of the Shahbaz’s efforts to move VHSL Debate Championships being held the venue from Liberty. at Liberty University in April. (Photo courtesy of “I do not believe Fatima Shahbaz) holding the championship at Liberty is wise in any regard,” Choi said. “By hosting the consider moving states and stop working tournament at a location that presents a with Liberty. direct threat to Muslim students, VHSL is “I hope that VHSL makes an effort not fulfilling its mission statement.” to move States from Liberty University. VHSL, for its part, released a statement I want them to terminate their future saying that the event’s location will not contract with Liberty, as this is an issue of change this year. xenophobia, and xenophobia can’t stand “The designated 2016 events of debate... with what debate stands for,” Shahbaz are engaged by contractual agreements,” said. VHSL executive director Ken Tilley said Despite opposition, Shahbaz is still in the statement. “VHSL respects the pushing for a boycott of the event. right of Liberty’s President to engage in “I don’t speak for McLean, [but] I would public speech, and will not take retaliatory sincerely hope that my fellow McLean action against the University even when debaters would vote to boycott,” Shahbaz that speech is found to be offensive by said. a significant number of VHSL member Shahbaz said she is also planning to schools and their students.” keep up the pressure on VHSL by creating Shahbaz said she hopes VHSL will still a petition calling for a change in venue. Page design by Haru Kato & Siddarth Shankar
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