I RESOLVE Debate Questions Election Reform and the Use of AI

Katie Hion (Independence High School)

Daniel Isaiah Bernal Garcia (Roberto Cruz Leadership Academy)

I RESOLVE highlights the partnership between the National Association for Urban Debate Leagues (NAUDL) and both the Bay Area Urban Debate League (BAUDL) and Silicon Valley Urban Debate League (SVUDL) to amplify youth voices and develop confidence for future success.

The event featured high school students Emily Ng (Oakland Technical High School), Christsean Bardell (Oakland Technical High School), Katie Hion (Independence High School), and Daniel Isaiah Bernal Garcia (Roberto Cruz Leadership Academy) in conversation with guest panelists, Ryan Beiermeister, VP of Product Policy at OpenAI and Shannon Bond, a Correspondent at NPR. The event was composed of a 90-minute program of student proposed solutions, expert feedback and discussion, and a Q&A segment.

Daniel Isaiah Bernal Garcia (Roberto Cruz Leadership Academy) opened the debate with the proposition that AI is not a threat to society but will make elections more transparent. He stated that there is a need for regulation, but not an outright ban. He urged that society should harvest the potential of AI while also using it responsibly, and that the future of democracy requires harnessing its power for good.

Emily Ng (Oakland Technical High School) began the opposing argument with the plea that AI undermines democracy and must be banned. She said that democracy relies upon transparency and that AI jeopardizes this while also exacerbating the digital divide. She countered that any benefits of AI are well outweighed by its dangers, and pointed to the spread of misinformation during elections as detrimental to democracy.

Katie Hion (Independence High School) argued that regulation is key and AI is a tool to engage people in democracy so that marginalized communities can reap the benefits.

Christsean Bardell (Oakland Technical High School) responded that AI undermines democracy and doesn’t only amplify existing inequalities, but also institutionalizes exclusion. He underscored that technology is a barrier, not a bridge, and that marginalized communities face exclusion because AI inherently favors those with privilege and access. He pointed out the vulnerability of social media to reinforce bias and reduce exposure to diverse viewpoints. He also stated that the sheer complexity and scale of AI makes it impossible to regulate.

Next in the program was the opportunity for the guest panelists to share their feedback. The panelists offered insights about the timing of this debate and the election. Discussion ensued about whether people vote according to what they see on the internet. Do they research or do they rely upon social media as truth? How does AI play a role in this? Further conversation centered on how we use AI responsibly while also mitigating harm. Can we walk that balance as a society? It will require thoughtful strategies.

Both panelists praised the students for zeroing in on the real issues behind AI, bias, and privacy. They highlighted that these are the issues they grapple with every day in their respective roles in journalism and technology. They talked about where guardrails are needed and the caution required while this technology is developed. Who is responsible for AI and how can companies play a role? Is the onus solely on the user? How do we become nuanced thinkers and continue to examine trade offs across multiple dimensions?

The panelists concluded the event by highlighting the tremendous effort and research the students put into their robust arguments. They suggested that students explore what could happen if AI were to be banned in terms of economic competitiveness or disruption. They pointed out that sectors involving vaccine development, science, and public health initiatives are using AI to make things more efficient. They also touched on how AI can monitor for bad actors. Also, they asked the students to consider AI from a global perspective, as opposed to solely domestic, while also taking a deeper dive into precisely what is meant by the term AI like specific products such as ChatGPT or the algorithms powering social media. Finally, they pushed students to think about the role of reinforcement model training as well as the potential for AI to act unpredictably, and the risk of AI being used in areas like critical infrastructure.

SVUDL participants shared their perspectives on the event: “One of the biggest takeaways was learning how to handle unexpected challenges under pressure. Having the expert panelist ask direct questions really tested my ability to think on my feet, which I think is essential in every part of our lives,” said Isaiah.

Katie shared this insight from her I RESOLVE experience: “I enjoyed a productive discussion on two topics I care about deeply: AI and democracy. Although debate is where one team usually wins, it felt like everyone won that night. My highlight was having the opportunity to talk to the panelists and hearing from experts about their opinions on this evolving topic.”

Thank you to our partners at NAUDL, BAUDL and the panelists. We also appreciate the hard work of the students and are grateful to Liz and Randal Sandler for their generosity as the I RESOLVE Presenting Sponsor.

Empowering Futures: Eric Lin Shares His Career Expertise with Students

Eric started the conversation by noting how nervous he was at his first debate tournament, and how that shifted over time. He talked about the valuable skills he gained in Speech and Debate and how it prepared him for college at UC Berkeley. He shared about the parts of the job he loved most, including getting to learn from experts about new topics and fields. He emphasized the importance of knowing your goals and purpose before pursuing a law career.

After hearing about Eric’s professional path, students and teachers had an opportunity to ask questions:.

Q. For high school students considering a career in law, what steps would you recommend they take to prepare?

A. Eric noted that the best practice students can develop – besides joining a Speech and Debate team – is to read, read, and read some more! This is the main task for students in law school, and becoming proficient at reading and analyzing literature is crucial.

Q. How does working for a company like Genentech differ from working at a law firm?

A. Eric shared that he majored in STEM at UC Berkeley and that his understanding of biology has been crucial for his work at Genentech. He reflected that no one field in undergrad is ideal preparation for the law, and that, in fact, any field a student is passionate about can be integrated into a law career.

Q. How do you defend a company or person if you are not sure if they are innocent?

A. Eric commented that as a professional he is bound to defend his client to the best of his ability no matter his personal beliefs about any given issue. Debate is useful to prepare for this professional requirement because it teaches students to advocate for positions they don’t always agree with and those situations can arise.

Ultimately, Eric’s time with SVUDL students helped them to understand the significance of the skills they are learning and to see firsthand how they will have application outside of the Speech and Debate world. His words also encouraged them to see that a future career in law is within reach!

SVUDL extends heartfelt appreciation for Eric Lin in being so generous with his time and thoughtful engagement with students.

SVUDL Welcomes Iris Chen to the Board of Directors

Our newest member of the Board of Directors is Iris Chen who soon will be joining Moloco Inc., as its General Counsel & Corporate Secretary. Moloco is a private company that provides a machine learning-based performance marketing platform and services.

Iris spent four years at Airbnb Inc. as its Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, where she led a team of 50+ attorneys and legal professionals that support Airbnb’s product, commercial and marketing functions, as well as managing the company’s trademark and copyright matters. 

Iris recently shared, “As a parent of high schoolers whose teachers integrate debate in their classes, I'm a big believer that Speech and Debate programs can teach critical thinking, improve confidence, and sharpen listening skills. So I couldn’t be more excited to be part of the SVUDL community and to support the important work of this organization and its life-changing impact on young people’s lives.”

Prior to joining Airbnb, Iris spent over 14 years with Google as a Vice President in the Legal Department where she led a team of 145+ legal team members responsible for supporting global product development and all commercial transactions in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, for Google’s advertising, commerce, payments, search, research, health, geo and supporting infrastructure services. 

Before joining Google, Iris was a corporate associate at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett and Ropes & Gray. Iris is a graduate of Yale College and Columbia Law School. 

Iris serves on the Board of the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose. She is an advisory committee member of PracticePro and also serves on Columbia Law School’s Alumni of Color Committee.  She is an avid runner and baker and lives in the Bay area with her husband, three daughters, and three cats.

Please join us in welcoming Iris Chen to the SVUDL Board of Directors!

Diversity Has Always Been In HP’s Source Code

Diversity has always been in HP’s source code. From its earliest days, HP has recognized that capturing and drawing from diverse points of view improves products and services — and the company as a whole. The partnership with SVUDL is part of a company wide effort to grow the pipeline.

SVUDL helps students uncover and hone the power of their voices, so they can confidently step into their full potential as professional and community leaders to ensure a future where broader perspectives are reflected and represented at the highest levels of government and industry.

With this natural alignment of purpose, HP has been a tremendous supporter of SVUDL in a significant variety of ways, including financial sponsorship of Words To The Wise and the John Lewis Invitational, as well as serving on committees and volunteering as mentors.

Senior Counsel of North America Sales in the Commercial Division at HP Legal Richard L. Yun participated in a SVUDL volunteer event this past year and attended Words to the Wise in 2023. His personal connection to Speech and Debate stems from his moot court experience in law school.

He believes Speech and Debate can positively impact someone over the course of a lifetime. “Speech and Debate is part and parcel of learning to be able to effectively express oneself. To be able to listen with an open mind and communicate differing viewpoints allow people to be our authentic selves in the workplace, in family life and in community participation.” reflected Richard Yun.

He appreciates the deep values inherent within the Speech and Debate skill sets advanced by students at SVUDL. He recognizes that the ability to research and analyze as well as find and utilize one’s voice is transferable to an individual’s many future pathways.

“To collaborate effectively and to be an adversary when necessary or appropriate in order to solve complex as well as simple problems are important and beneficial fundamental skills,” shared Richard Yun. “At HP, we trust that employees and the organization are most productive, effective and sustainable when employees feel free to be their authentic selves. The abilities to clearly articulate one’s thoughts and beliefs, to truly listen with an open mind, and to constructively discuss diverse points of view are paramount to our sustainable growth mindset. .”

HP and SVUDL can harness that same spirit of innovation that began with the origins of HP, and together we can work to create a brighter and more diverse future.

Thank you HP for your tremendous past and current support of Words To The Wise 2024.

Watch SVUDL Student Chloe Truong On KRON’s Live In The Bay!

History was made when Chloe Truong of Independence High School in San Jose participated in the Cal National Debate Institute debate camp and tournament. Being invited to compete in the Varsity league would be an honor for any new Policy debater.  For Chloe, however, this would only be the beginning of her achievements. Chloe and her partner were named co-champions of the Varsity Policy division, and Chloe was awarded “First Speaker” and “MVP” of her lab. Before this historic event, no first-year Policy student had ever even qualified for elimination rounds, let alone been crowned co-champion!

The producers of KRON-TV’s Live In The Bay got wind of these fantastic achievements and invited Chloe to come on the show and share her news with their viewers. Click the play button below to watch the interview!

Congrats to Chloe, and here’s to a competitive Speech and Debate year!

The Parallels Between Law and Teaching

“Attending and graduating from law school in 2017 was one of the most life-changing experiences for me. Receiving a legal education allowed me to continue to learn the art of critical and logical thinking, and to be open to all points of view,” Alessandra Cain reflected.

She has always been interested in the legal profession. This began when she worked in her mother’s law office in middle school, “I learned the value of hard work and of taking care of others during periods of great stress. I had always thought about becoming a teacher, but I wanted to also accomplish my goal of graduating from law school.  I knew that I would decide after graduation which path I wanted to pursue,” she remembered.

She learned that there were many similarities between the legal and teaching professions. Both use very similar skill sets, and both are care-taking professions. Teachers take care to make sure that students are learning and that they have the right environment and resources to be able to live up to their potential. Lawyers guide clients through difficult life stressors and make sure that clients have enough information and resources to make informed decisions.

She is pleased she chose a profession that allowed her to combine her love of teaching and the law. “It has been an honor to have the opportunity to share my own knowledge, experience, and to pay it forward with our students,” she recalled.

She is able to use what she learned in law to expose students to many different educational and career paths and make a valuable contribution to the East Side Union High School District mission of making students “college and career ready.”

The Law Pathways program at Yerba Buena High School exposes students to the law profession through academic classes and field trips. A primary goal and focus of Career and Technical Education is experiential learning. In addition to field study and learning, students regularly engage in experiential and kinesthetic learning through debates, simulations, mock trials, and moot courts.

“I often tell my students to be open to opportunities even if it is not what you expected. I did not expect to be able to teach and continue to be involved in law. I thought it was one or the other. This opportunity came along very unexpectedly and I embraced it. I am trying to use that experience to teach students to keep an open mind with respect to the opportunities which come along in life,” she shared.

Alessandra believes that debate-centered instruction is directly aligned with the values, goals, and purpose of Career and Technical Education. When students are leading and actively engaging with their education, it not only increases student and class engagement, but it can provide an invaluable opportunity for students to experience and see themselves in that career.

A primary goal is to provide experiential learning opportunities for students with the ultimate goal of contributing to the diversification of the legal profession. Even if a student ultimately decides on a different career path, the skills and knowledge gained from the Law Pathway are wide-ranging and transferable to any educational and career path. 

“My educational and personal upbringing gave me a great sense of the importance of giving back to others. I was extremely blessed and fortunate to be raised in a family of strong, highly educated, and intelligent women. One of my role models and one of the most impactful and influential figures in my life, my paternal grandmother, was a teacher. She earned physics and math degrees during a time when it was uncommon for women to even think about receiving a higher education, let alone earn a degree and ultimately teach. My other role model and personal hero, my mother, consistently told me that an education is the one thing in life that cannot be taken away from you. Importantly, my mother also raised me with the belief that an education would give me the knowledge, awareness, and ability to look for ways to do good in the world,” she stated.

“Deciding to enter the teaching profession has been one of the best decisions I have made in my life, and I have found my passion and calling. Having the opportunity to contribute to the start of the Yerba Buena High School Law Pathway and make a meaningful contribution to a young person’s life is a true honor,” she said.

The Novice Who Would Be Queen- History Made at the CNDI

The CNDI (Cal National Debate Institute) debate camp and tournament are held annually at the Berkeley campus. The CNDI brings together some of the brightest and hardest-working high school coaches, college coaches, and current college debaters to provide students with a variety of educational perspectives. The Cal National Debate Institute is one of the premier debate camps in the country, with a level of vigor and competition akin to a major national tournament.

This year, the CNDI tournament took place from July 7th – July 27th, 2024, and had 64 students in the Novice and Varsity divisions combined. The Silicon Valley Urban Debate League had the privilege of sending Vu Quang (Yerba Buena High School) and Chloe Truong (Independence High School) to attend the CNDI Policy debate camp. Not only were our students able to thrive at the CNDI, but they were also able to make history.

Chloe Truong began her experience at camp in the Novice league, having focused her previous debate career on Public Forum. Beginning a new format as a senior was a daunting task, to say the least. “I remember what it was like starting Public Forum for the first time and eventually reaching a point where I felt some form of clarity and understanding. To be back at square one with a new format was disheartening but also exciting. I was struggling a lot the first week in learning all these new concepts, and I remember being frustrated with myself, but the one thing I am grateful for is learning how to adapt to new environments,” Chloe recounted.

As the days at the CNDI turned into weeks, Chloe turned from a Novice into a true competitor. “During labs, every time I developed a new argument and asked my lab leaders for criticism, I remember getting brutally taken apart. This became routine for that week. (…) I am grateful for the time they spent helping me rework it because the work I put into my case showed. After the practice round, our lab leaders pulled my partner and me to the side and gave us the option to either stay in the Novice division during the camp tournament and potentially win, or move up to Varsity and face greater challenges,” Chloe stated.

Being invited to compete in the Varsity league is an honor for any new Policy debater. For Chloe, however, this would only be the beginning of her achievements. Chloe and her partner were named co-champions of the Varsity Policy division, and Chloe was awarded “First Speaker” and “MVP” of the camp. Before this historic event, no first-year Policy student had ever even qualified for elimination rounds, let alone been crowned co-champion.

When reflecting on what she learned from this experience, Chloe said, “We started Policy debate three weeks ago together, and I never would have imagined any of this. Throughout this entire experience, I learned that it didn’t matter how behind I was, or how much I did not know because I can learn, and I can work hard. It doesn’t matter what format I’m doing, whether it’s Policy or Public Forum, because as long as I have passion and love for this activity, I will succeed.”

Vu Quang of Yerba Buena High School also excelled in his time at the CNDI, leaving the tournament as a proud semi-finalist of the Varsity Policy division. “Overall, it went great! I ended up as the semi-finalist of the camp tourney, and I learned a lot about the topic. I'm very excited to share with the team what I learned about camp, and I've already started to research my AFF.”

Thank you, Chloe Truong, Vu Quang, and the CNDI for your dedication to education and personal excellence! We hope that your stories will inspire others to believe in themselves and face life’s challenges head-on, in debate and beyond!

Intellectual Property in the Real World

What does it mean for an individual or corporation to “own” an idea? What is the difference between a copyright, a trademark, and a patent? And what are the real-world implications of intellectual property for debaters—aside from the fact that the national 2024-25 high school Policy debate topic is “Intellectual Property Rights”? As SVUDL debaters contemplate these questions in preparation for the upcoming season, they might take into account Silicon Valley’s unique relationship to intellectual property—or IP—concerns. That setting also shapes SVUDL’s diverse network of experience and expertise, which remains readily available to connect with students and alumni as they explore IP in debate and in their careers. 

At “IP in the Real World”, attendees saw this network in action. On Wednesday, July 17th, SVUDL students, alumni, and staff joined a diverse group of IP experts at the campus of tech company Cisco in northern San José. A result of SVUDL’s partnership with Cisco and the intellectual property law firm Desmarais LLP, “IP in the Real World” brought the SVUDL community together for academic and professional development with a variety of professionals involved in the IP realm.

The event opened with a presentation by Keith Griffin, Cisco Fellow and Site Leader for Cisco Galway. Griffin focused especially on the advent of artificial intelligence, explaining how generative AI models create novel content and providing examples of recently patented AI technology. In the process, attendees gained a deeper understanding of the unique issues that AI raises for IP rights, government regulation, and society at large. 

After a question-and-answer period, members of Desmarais and Cisco Legal led an interactive presentation on identifying and describing intellectual property. Leslie Spencer, Partner at Desmarais and SVUDL Board member, opened with a hands-on group exercise, showing how patents, copyrights, and trademarks are connected to objects as varied as Cisco routers, ski goggles, computer servers, and MP3 players. Members of the Cisco Legal team followed with more examples while also discussing their varied journeys to IP law. Afterwards, Sarita Venkat, the Vice President and Deputy General Counsel of Global Litigation and Competition at Cisco, shared more about her team’s work. In the process, Venkat described not only the foundational goals of her team’s antitrust litigation at Cisco, but also the myriad entry points to and roles within IP. All presenters called attention to the diversity—potential and actual—of IP and IP law, a topic which stayed in the forefront throughout the day. 

Attendees particularly enjoyed the overview of the careers within IP that presenters shared. After the event, May Gomez of Mount Pleasant shared that she “really enjoyed” not just “the experience of being at CISCO”, but also “learning more about what IP lawyers do!”

SVUDL Board member, Partner at Desmarais, and event presenter Leslie Spencer was similarly enthusiastic. Spencer highlighted that the morning provided students and alumni with “a range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences that enriched their understanding of technology, its role in their lives and the careers that it offers”, sharing further that she “could not have been more pleased to participate in such a rich learning experience for our students.”

In what was another highlight of the event for many attendees, “IP in the Real World” closed with a networking lunch with Cisco’s legal department. Participants had the opportunity to chat not only with attorneys and legal interns at Cisco and Desmarais, but also other professionals in the IP world, including engineers and data analysts. These professionals were eager to meet with students and alumni, getting to know their interests and goals while offering encouragement, support, and guidance. Students had the chance to learn more about the different pathways to the IP world while networking and forming professional connections with supportive adults. Mia Carate, a Summer Bridge student at James Lick High School, shared that at the lunch, students "talked about what we wanted to do in the future and college.” Of one of her interlocutors, Carate said, “I felt like she was trying to prepare me." Adilene Mendoza, a Social Studies teacher at James Lick High School, said of the lunch that it “was an excellent opportunity to mingle with people who weren't teachers, who are doing different jobs in the professional world and can offer advice."

“IP in the Real World” would not have been possible without the commitment of attendees from Cisco and Desmarais to connect with students, learn about their interests, and prepare them for the upcoming debate season—and their professional lives.

Sofia Funk: Working to Radically Alter Foundational Aspects of Society

Last summer, Sofia Funk worked remotely from Providence, Rhode Island, on debate curriculum development for SVUDL Teacher Coaches, researching and compiling topic and

teaching resources, and compiling the SVUDL tournament calendar. In fact, her summer 2023 internship with SVUDL was a big part of why she decided to work for SVUDL as a Program Specialist upon her graduation.

She appreciated knowing her work would support novices and Teacher Coaches as they were introduced to debate. She was excited about the work SVUDL was doing and trusted that she would get the same kind of support as a staff member as she did as a remote intern, and as a student while in high school. 

That unique style of SVUDL support is part of how SVUDL prepared her for the intense academics of Brown University, but nothing could quite prepare her for starting college during a global pandemic.

“My freshman year was defined by COVID-19 restrictions which limited students’ ability to attend classes or extracurriculars in-person, or even to gather socially. By the time the most severe restrictions were lifted in the fall of my sophomore year, I had gotten a strange first taste of college, and I was still on uneven footing, personally and academically,” Sofia recalled.

“I am very glad that I went far away from home for college. I did not and could not have grasped four years ago how important that was for me to do. My experience —the seasons, the atmosphere, the people—was very positive, and I have a lot of fond memories of those places,” she reflected.

At the beginning of college, she was quite unsure of herself—not just her abilities, but her interests; unsure of the sort of person she was or wanted to be. “I slowly realized that while some of my ideas about myself entering college were not correct, one thing I could be sure about was that as anxious as I was about debate in high school, I was a debater through and through,” she remembered.

SVUDL prepared her with the foundational critical analysis skills to participate in discussion both inside and outside of the classroom, to test out her ideas and defend—or re-evaluate—them with others. “It’s scary to imagine a world without my SVUDL experience, and how much longer it would’ve taken me to take some risks—such as by registering for a rigorous upper-level history seminar: a seminar that ended up being my favorite at Brown, despite my utter lack of course background before then, and the 12+ hours of assigned reading every week,” she emphasized. She also uncovered a deep interest in philosophy, overcoming her uncertainty and self-doubt as a woman of color within the discipline to hone her skills in several analytic philosophy courses, including a graduate seminar on skepticism about the a priori and a posteriori during her senior year.  

As a first-generation anthropology student at Brown with a passion for positive social change and educational equity, what was most appealing to her was its capacity for social critique. “As time passed, I realized that I was not too interested in a life of academia, or really of field work. By my junior year, I returned to law as a potential pathway—one I had previously discarded, thinking I was both not smart enough and too good for law school—and by my senior year, I was convinced that the law was a real pathway to the kind of positive social change I wanted to see in the world,” she revealed.

Sofia is committed to expanding access to educational, professional, and creative opportunities for marginalized students and working with others for sustainable social change. “I had the enormous privilege to not only get a college education, but an Ivy League degree. Now, the enormity of that privilege is not because an Ivy League education is categorically more challenging or more rigorous than at other schools—I don’t think that’s true. But firstly, lots of powerful people think it is, which holds a lot of weight in certain spaces; and secondly, the structure of a Brown education—especially the Open Curriculum—really did foster deeply favorable conditions for learning and growth,” she noted.

“That second part is a privilege, a deeply felt one that has shaped how I view myself and the world, but I don’t think that opportunity should be limited to the few students who go to the Ivy League out of a local school or district. I think all students should be able to get time and resources to learn, make mistakes, and figure out what they want to do and be. Most marginalized kids don’t get that kind of breathing room. In fact, a lot of students don’t get any kind of grace or space to explore. It’s a lot harder for them to access even opportunities which are ostensibly available. It’s important to keep that in mind—a lot of students don’t even get their foot in the door on many professional and academic opportunities,” she continued.

And for those marginalized students who can access the limited opportunities available to them, “there’s a lot of pressure (real and imagined) to do something that makes money, that looks impressive, to get some kind of cushion—to gain some privilege. There’s this much-maligned idea that these students should ‘rise above’ their circumstances. Setting aside the implications of that rhetoric momentarily, there’s a kernel of truth to this idea: it IS a privilege to be invested in to that degree, and privilege is a very good thing to have—in the basic sense that your life is nebulously, but securely, better for it,” she stated.

“There’s also pressure on these types of students to give back, to not leave their communities behind—communities that are already being left behind by the government or the law. I certainly feel that everyone should do something in their life that “gives back” to the world in some way—I think that’s a shared responsibility. But there’s also a lot of undue and unfair pressure on some individuals to dedicate themselves to others at the expense of their own growth. It’s not a zero sum game—you can have both. But there needs to be a different model. Lots of people in our society do get the opportunity to explore, and take advantage of that opportunity to varying degrees, with varying social consequences and rewards. I am interested in making a diversity and abundance of professional, academic, and creative opportunities the norm for marginalized students,” she passionately described.

Sofia also shared her thoughts on participating in discourse, and the role of debate in everyone’s life: “When people say they don’t know how to argue or they don’t like arguing, in my experience it’s often because they feel like they don’t know how to express their deeply held beliefs in a way that will make them as important in the conversation as they feel to them personally. They don’t know how to respond to the terms of a discussion that they feel isn’t weighing their concerns heavily enough—a discussion which is unable to account for the magnitude of their own feelings and beliefs. Sometimes, people feel like they can’t even begin to voice what they think because they’ve been taught to evaluate claims and evidence by standards that disvalues what they value. Of course, this doesn’t mean you should be blindly confident that you are right, even if all signs point to you being wrong. Being able to discuss your beliefs and defend them in a shared discourse is important. But sometimes the terms of that discourse are unacceptable, and being able to recognize that has helped me better tell the difference between an unpopular argument and a bad one, and to subsequently have confidence in the former,” she said.

She is excited about a career in law, but she is also interested in poetry writing. She doesn’t want to let either dream go because they meet different needs for her. Interested in constitutional law, she thinks the current and upcoming era of constitutional interpretation could definitely use more progressives. Immigration reform is another major interest for Sofia. She values how much power, and also freedom, a law degree can confer to an individual, but also the tools the legal system has at its disposal to radically alter foundational aspects of society. 

Sofia believes that debate is the most powerful activity in which she has had the good  fortune to participate, and that it is debate that has given her the tools to speak her mind and to push the envelope in important conversations around the issues that matter to her most — namely the economic and educational inequities right in her own backyard. Specifically, it has contributed to her sense of self-possession and assertiveness when standing up for her beliefs and the needs of her community.

SVUDL Students' Victories On and Off the Field

On July 13, nine SVUDL students, alumni, and their families were honored by Intermedia Cloud Communications and the San Jose Earthquakes soccer team. They were able to watch a thrilling match between the Quakes and the Sporting Kansas City soccer club. Intermedia and the Quakes both recognize the transformative power of effective communication, whether on the field, during a business meeting, inside the classroom, or during a competitive Speech and Debate tournament. It is this common value that brought everyone together at the soccer match.

The students representing SVUDL were league champions from our various Speech and Debate divisions, as well as deserving award winners. Many of these students and family members were attending their first ever professional soccer game. The students had an opportunity to be honored by the crowd during halftime, as they were joined midfield by SVUDL staff, SVUDL Chair Emeritus Andrew Gold, and Intermedia's Michael Gold (CEO) and Robert Gold (Vice President - Marketing Communications).

SVUDL alum Tiffany Le has long been a soccer fan but this was the first professional soccer game she was able to attend. Similarly, SVUDL student Katie Hion shared that the game was an "experience of a lifetime. Never before did I think I would be on the field, with soccer players kicking the ball right in front of us. It was exhilarating and unforgettable."

SVUDL's deepest appreciation goes out to the teams at Intermedia Cloud Communications and the San Jose Earthquakes, for sharing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with SVUDL students, alumni, and their families!

SVUDL Legal Advisory Committee Member Li Zhu Receives Asian Leadership Award

The SVUDL Legal Advisory Committee makes it possible to diversify the legal profession in the next generation by building a pipeline of future lawyers from our community of SVUDL students. Robins Kaplan LLP Partner Li Zhu serves on SVUDL’s LAC and was recently awarded the Asian Leadership Award by the Profiles in Diversity Journal. This journal is dedicated to promoting and advancing diversity and inclusion in the corporate, government, nonprofit, higher education, and military sectors.

Much of Li’s passion stems from a lifetime of mentoring by his high school debate coaches, Michaela and Seth Northrop. They helped to shape his life from high school Policy debater to law firm Partner.

“In high school, I was shy and afraid of public speaking. During my freshman year, I enrolled in the school’s speech and debate course for mandatory class credit. It was there that I met Kaela and Seth. Their constant encouragement helped me overcome my deep-rooted fear of public speaking. Debate, in particular, helped forge my critical thinking skills and leadership abilities, which have proven invaluable to me to this day,” reflected Li.

“Kaela and Seth also encouraged me to apply to law school even though I doubted my ability to succeed in that environment. I wouldn’t be where I am without their support,” continued Li. “Mentorship means meeting a person where they are and fully understanding their diverse background, unique experiences and goals in order to properly support their career path.”

Having been involved with his firm’s DEI program since 2011, Li participates in the firm’s mentoring, recruiting, and committee work. His advocacy extends to providing pro bono representation to indigent clients in both state and immigration court. Li’s pro bono victories include successfully obtaining asylum for a tortured Cameroonian immigrant who was persecuted for her political activism by an oppressive state police force, and protecting the rights of an abused single mother and her newborn child under the Hague Convention on Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.

It is all of this experience that inspires Li to volunteer with SVUDL. He recognizes that the Legal Advisory Committee translates to mentorship in action. He embraces how SVUDL can help professionals develop the next generation of leaders and mentors. By his efforts, Li hopes to be able to serve others in the same incredible way that his exceptional mentors supported him.

Congrats to Li for receiving this honor, and for helping to mentor and empower the next generation of lawyers!

SVUDL Welcomes Two NAUDL Fellows

The National Association for Urban Debate Leagues (NAUDL) works with five urban debate leagues nationwide to build a scalable workplace mentorship program for qualified urban debate alums. NAUDL senior staff provide ongoing virtual oversight, coaching and assessment to both interns and league leadership. Also, group roundtables are hosted on a weekly basis, featuring professional volunteers. Topics include teamwork and collaboration; digital technology; professionalism and work ethic; career-management; leadership; and intercultural fluency. White & Case lawyers and staff play an integral role in the weekly roundtable discussions and develop mentoring and career-coaching opportunities with the Fellows.

2024 White & Case NAUDL Fellows Cindy Chanay and Michelle Tiburcio-Garate are thrilled to join SVUDL this summer via this program. Both are current college students involved in a wide variety of activities.

Cindy is a full-time student at the University of California San Diego pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a minor in Environmental Studies. She competed in Policy debate throughout her high school years and currently competes in a myriad of formats at the collegiate level. 

During her time in Policy debate, Cindy competed adamantly in the national circuit, and reached the quarterfinals of the Urban Debate National Championship. Now, she primarily competes in parliamentary debate and NFA-LD, where she has also found great success. 

Michelle Tiburcio-Garate is a full-time student at Foothill College in Los Altos pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a minor in Business. She has competed in Policy debate throughout her high school years. Outside of debate, she owns a small business where she focuses on her twin talents of sweets and floristry. Michelle also enjoys traveling, reading and giving back to the community! 

Welcome to the team Cindy and Michelle!

SVUDL Welcomes Alison Elliott to the Board of Directors.

Alison Elliott's noteworthy career includes extensive experience encompassing a wide variety of backgrounds: middle school classrooms; large NYC banks; software startups in Silicon Valley; the Center for Social Innovation at the Stanford Business School and more. She is also an author about books on software for children, and has consulted with both nonprofits and companies on this important issue.

Now Alison is bringing this wealth of experiences, insights and perspectives to the Board of Directors at SVUDL. “I believe that the best educational experiences broaden a young person’s world view and help them to learn to think for themselves. Creating opportunities that combine public speaking, analytical skills and the ability to see alternative perspectives, SVUDL offers local students and schools a powerful addition to their education,” she said.

Since retiring, Alison has served as a Board member and Board Chair for a number of local nonprofits including the Silicon Valley Social Venture Fund, Alpha Public Schools, Peninsula School, and Pie Ranch.  

We are honored she’s adding SVUDL to her robust volunteering efforts during her retirement. Welcome, Alison!

Learning to “Remain Authentically Yourself while Achieving Success” - Chloe Truong

Continuing the momentum from last month’s Moot Court Showcase, SVUDL students exercised their voices by arguing the same pretrial motion in front of judges of the Superior Court of Santa Clara County and the Superior Court of San Mateo County - but this time from inside the courtroom! On June 5th, students were hosted by Judge Julia Alloggiamento, where students were able to present the pretrial motions that they had been preparing over the past few months and then spoke with her about her experiences in law and in her personal life.

On June 12th, SVUDL students were hosted by Judge Lisa Novak and Judge Susan Greenberg of the Superior Court of San Mateo County.  Judge Greenberg even invited the students to see inside her chambers. 

Reflecting on the experience, rising Andrew Hill High School senior Suyash Sawant shared, “Moot Court was a really valuable experience for me because it taught me about how our legal system works. It also helped improve my speaking skills - for example, when I was making my arguments, I had to think about how I would say things and the way I would organize evidence.”

Robert Millan from Latino College Preparatory Academy shared, “This was one of the most unique experiences I’ve had.  I never thought that in my 4 years in high school I would be presenting an argument in front of a judge in a courtroom. I was certainly nervous, but I had fun nonetheless and I can’t wait to do it again next year!”

Rising Independence High School Senior, Chloe Truong, rounded out the student reflections by noting, “I really enjoyed the Moot Court experience this year. Applying skills we learn from debate, to argue about laws that impact real people is something incredibly valuable. I liked how engaged the judges were within the practice and how after the event, the judge spoke to us about her experience in law. I could tell that she loved what she did very much and that inspired me immensely. She demonstrated that to work in the justice system, you don't have to be so cookie cutter, and still remain authentically yourself while achieving success.”

Thank you to all of our hosts and partners at the Superior Court of Santa Clara County and the Superior Court of San Mateo County, and to the amazing volunteer lawyers who met with our students over the past few months to prepare for these courtroom proceedings!

“I now believe the world can change and that anyone can make a difference by speaking up” - Fabiola Diaz Lopez

Before joining SVUDL, Downtown College Prep El Primero senior Fabiola Diaz Lopez struggled to express herself, often stuttering and mumbling, uncertain that her opinions were worth listening to – but through Speech and Debate, she gained immense confidence. This newfound ability allowed her to actively engage in civic matters, including contacting legislators and advocating for issues she’s passionate about in the world.

Fabiola first got involved with SVUDL during her freshman year of high school during distance learning. Her theater teacher encouraged her to join. Initially, she joined the small Speech team and later transitioned to Policy Debate. Her involvement grew as she took on leadership roles in her school’s club, helping it expand significantly, coaching new members, and organizing fundraisers.

Fabiola remembers her first year in debate was during the transition from quarantine. Debates were still fully online. “My team would get together at school on Saturday mornings and do all sorts of shenanigans between rounds. We’d play Mario Kart on the projector, explore the empty school, and terrify our teachers. My first tournament landed on my birthday, and I remember the club quickly decorating the classroom while I was in the bathroom and surprising me with cake! I have countless cherished memories with these people. The bonds I formed and the collective achievements of our team are moments I hold dear,” she recalled.

Fabiola underscored the new opportunities she was given expanded access to through SVUDL.  One extraordinary moment was participating in the Mightier collaboration event with Newsweek and NAUDL in NYC. She got the chance to showcase her skills on a national stage.   

Fabiola recognizes that SVUDL changed her perspective on her life. “SVUDL transformed my ability to communicate effectively, enabling me to find and refine my voice. It burst the bubble I grew up in, exposing me to a broader world of policies and their impacts. It taught me about the complexities of societal issues and the importance of civic engagement. This expanded perspective has been invaluable, allowing me to see beyond my immediate community and understand the larger implications of decisions and actions,” she reflected.

Unfortunately, this past year has also been hard for Fabiola. She had to pause her participation in Speech and Debate for her mental health, and she believed at that point in time that it might be the end of SVUDL for her. 

But that wasn’t the case. “I am grateful for the enduring support and kindness I've received from SVUDL. They never gave up on me and continued to encourage and remind me that they truly care about my well-being and growth outside of debate. I’m deeply grateful for this unwavering support from the community,” she emphasized.

SVUDL instilled in Fabiola a sense of purpose and the ability to advocate for what she believes in. “As the stereotype goes, Gen Z is depressed and hopeless about the world. ‘Doomerism’ as they call it. Participating in SVUDL has helped to challenge my pessimism. I now believe the world can change and that anyone can make a difference by speaking up,” she urged.

Fabiola is grateful to be done with the college application process. “I’m going to college! It still feels unreal. I’ll attend De Anza College in the fall, majoring in Global Studies. I would have never realized my passion for understanding and addressing international issues were it not for SVUDL,” she said. “The skills I’ve gained through my time with SVUDL—critical thinking, effective communication, and the ability to engage in constructive debates—are priceless skills I will carry with me through college and beyond. I know that whatever is next in store for me, I’m ready.”

“I liked being able to feel like I’m in the shoes of a lawyer.” - Ria Tyagi

The SVUDL Moot Court 2024 Showcase was a fantastic opportunity for SVUDL students to prepare and argue a case before a distinguished panel of judges, including: Hon. Michelle T. Friedland, Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit; Hon. Cynthia C. Lie, Associate Justice, California Sixth District Court of Appeal; and Hon. Charles E. Wilson, Associate Justice, California Sixth District Court of Appeal.

SVUDL's Professional Access & Mentoring program offers this event as a chance for students to broaden their horizons and networks as they continue to unlock their full potential.

Students had been working intensively for weeks to prepare for the Moot Court Showcase through collaboration with coaches and practicing and retired attorneys in advance of the Showcase where esteemed judges would be observing and interacting with them during the event.

The fictitious town of Acorn, California, was the setting for this year's Moot Court case.  At the core of the arguments was a pretrial motion of defendant Casey Davidson facing a felony charge of first degree murder.  The question at the heart of this debate was whether or not it is a permissible search under the Fourth Amendment for the government to obtain routinely collected GPS location data from a third-party GPS provider.

SVUDL Board Member and DLA Piper’s Deputy Managing Partner Carrie Williamson opened the Showcase with a brief speech about how this moment in time would foster an environment in which SVUDL students would be exposed to new goals.  She remarked how SVUDL’s mission folds naturally into the signature pro bono project of the firm -- advancing education’s promise.

Program Specialist and SVUDL alum Najma Ali then shared how she participated in almost every opportunity SVUDL offered when she was a high school student, and how that sparked her interest in a legal career. She will be entering the University of San Francisco School of Law in the fall.

SVUDL Coach and Program Specialist Kwodwo Moore spoke about how powerful this pre-trial motion was for the fictitious case given the weight of that particular evidence to the overall case.

SVUDL students Hilda Huynh (Independence High School) and Michelle Ly (Silver Creek High School) served as defense counsel and students Ria Tyagi (Mount Pleasant High School) and Isabel Reinke (Independence High School) served as prosecution.

Much of the moot court arguments centered on whether the 4th Amendment and/or Third Party Doctrine apply to this motion. Students argued about whether GPS data is considered property under the 4th amendment:  the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures. The Third Party Doctrine says there is no expectation of privacy in information voluntarily provided to others.

Passionate and lengthy discussions followed about the difference between putting a physical device on a car compared to GPS data via the car’s own technology or GPS data on a mobile phone.

Interesting exchanges occurred between the students and the judges about digital information. Can the government rightfully take private information from consumer devices?  Did the defendant know his car had a GPS device in it?

Arguments ensued around what it means when a GPS company says data tracking and storage is used to improve their products.  Should that translate to also giving the defendant’s information to the government?  Whose information is it?  The defendant’s or the government’s?

Conversations centered around the fact that the GPS couldn’t be turned on or off.

Should the government be able to access this information – and does that depend on how “voluntarily” sharing that information is defined here?  What about a warrant? Is it required for this type of search?  Should the government have access to someone’s daily routine and lifestyle? And be able to track it without a warrant?

 Does using a GPS to navigate mean you know they are storing this information somewhere? Is there an expectation of privacy or does the user assume the risk that their information would get shared?

The judges evaluated the students on the quality and persuasiveness of their presentation, as well as their unscripted responses to spontaneous questions from the bench. The judges spoke about how students are able to improve their skills by experiencing opportunities such as Moot Court. They made a point to express how they couldn’t imagine having done this exercise in high school themselves!

The judges shared appreciation for the students’ time, effort and energy. They noted how hard it would be to listen to their difficult legal questions under such pressure and be able to respond so well, including having the self-confidence to ask for a question to be repeated as needed.

Judges gave their decision at the end which was to vote to deny the motion because up until 2018, the Third Party Doctrine was applicable, and if the government was getting data from a third party, then that negated any expectation of privacy.

The judges shared how facial recognition is now a changing issue with the expectation of privacy. When you turn your face and biometric information over, at some point, the government might say you gave it up. They posted a question:  if AI is changing the forefront of technology, is there a reasonable expectation of privacy now?

The students appreciated having the chance to participate in the Showcase. “I liked being able to feel like I’m in the shoes of a lawyer,” reflected Ria Tyagi. "Being able to experience Moot Court opened up a new world of law and public speaking that I had never known before,” noted Hilda Huynh.

Thank you to DLA Piper for hosting this event at their beautiful new Palo Alto offices. We also extend our deepest gratitude for the attorneys and judges who helped make this event such a tremendous success.

“The art of literacy is fundamental to a human” - Neha Parthasarathi

“The first of September in 2020 marks a day I will forever be grateful for. Staring at my Zoom screen filled with minuscule faces, my nervousness left me gripping the edge of my seat. As a shy freshman, I blindly ventured on a journey I would soon grow to love. I even recall reciting my introduction over and over: ‘Hi! I’m Neha Parthasarathi and I joined Speech & Debate to learn how to argue,’ was my line,” said Neha. 

This was the beginning of SVUDL Silver Creek High School Senior Neha Parthasarathi’s college essay. She continued, “Stepping out of my comfort zone back on September 1, 2020 empowered me to find my voice buried within me - enabling me to accomplish goals I had never dreamed of before,” shared Neha. 

It is that discovery of voice that reveals the opportunity to step into the future as a professional and community leader. “The art of literacy is fundamental to a human. SVUDL has not only taught me to voice my thoughts unapologetically, but for a long time helped me pave the path to actually participating within institutions that allow for youth to express their opinions.”

Validating her Zoom prediction, Neha did in fact learn how to argue. This led to even more discoveries. “Debating topics ranging from international relations to social welfare legislation helped expand my general knowledge in other aspects of my academic life,” she recalled.

Over time, Neha’s confidence grew in parallel to her increasing knowledge. As high school progressed, she found herself speaking without rehearsing.  Her ease for words and critical thinking influenced her passion for solving global issues through entrepreneurial innovation.

Neha was introduced to new opportunities through SVUDL and this expanded access widened her interest in the legal field and even inspired her to co-found a nonprofit. “SVUDL empowered me to advocate for others through my student-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Voicepedia, where my team aspires to provide literacy skills (speaking, reading, and writing in English) to refugee youth in America and globally,” she said.

She also developed a passion for social activism and public service. A youth commissioner for the Juvenile Justice Commision of Santa Clara Superior Court, she advocated by authoring reports on County facilities and inspections of law enforcement agencies, and meeting community partners that contribute to the wellbeing of youth. “Veering from the norms of my daily life opened my eyes to the reality that many of my peers face and bolstered my support for youth advocacy,” she noted.

Neha recognizes that a diversity of voices builds a more equitable and brighter world. “Diversity of voices allows communities to better support all populations equitably and is fundamental to a stronger community. Listening to these voices not only allows us to gain a wider perspective of global issues, but we also learn through collaboration,” she described.

SVUDL has changed her perspective on her life. “SVUDL has opened my eyes to the world of social justice within communities. The experiences I have gained have been indelible to my adulting years, educating me about the importance of uplifting underserved populations. I hope I will continue to carry out principles of equity, diversity, and justice within every endeavor I participate in,” she described.

She recognizes and appreciates the tools she has gleaned from SVUDL to help her advocate for what she feels is important. “SVUDL has provided me with a platform in which I can voice my thoughts unapologetically. I have learned to effectively communicate my opinions to others and advocate for what at times I feel is not the ‘majority opinion’. I have learned to be confident in my voice,” she said.

Neha credits SVUDL with helping to express her thoughts, ideas, and arguments eloquently. “Speech and Debate didn’t just teach me how to speak, but also who to cater my ideas and thoughts to in crafting my language. The debate drill of ‘how would you explain this to a child’ helped me understand how to simplify arguments based on who I am speaking with, and this will carry over into a lifetime of advancing my interpersonal skills in my future educational settings and workplaces,” she said.

SVUDL has impacted her goals for the future, and she is inspired to pursue a career path in law. The legal field within business has always been an interdisciplinary field of interest from her experiences as an entrepreneur and a youth committed to public service. She is passionate about exploring juvenile law further, continuing her involvement with the Juvenile Justice Commission, and even potentially the civil grand jury.  

Debating topics ranging from international relations to social welfare legislation helped expand her general knowledge in other aspects of her academic life. Her ease for words and critical thinking influenced her passion for solving global issues through entrepreneurial innovation.

“When I initially joined SVUDL, I had the perception that it was solely a debate organization that mentors high school students within public speaking. It was surprising to learn that it was an organization that also promotes career technical education in not only direct legal fields, but also different facets of law. I am so grateful to have experienced their programming whether this was their field trips to Santa Clara Superior Courts, partner events, or debating forums,” she said. “I think the biggest gift I gained from SVUDL was my voice. I wasn’t a great public speaker prior to joining my debate program and struggled immensely with being able to articulate my thoughts in a way that was compelling. I am grateful for all the experiences I have gained, whether this was from the curriculum taught, the friends I made, or the competitive opportunities. Now, more confident than ever, I have learned to be a better advocate not only for myself, but also for others.”

From the beginning of her freshman year, she has been competing in the Public Forum (PF) Debate. Neha and her partner were the only Public Forum team in Silver Creek and SVUDL. “My favorite memory was watching the PF division grow into 10 strong active teams that I coach with my partner. Our drive with SVUDL prospered as Dr. Burns allowed us to form a PF division. Now, I am so happy to see several teams from other schools compete in our league tournaments within PF debate,” she proudly recalled.

Some of Neha’s favorite moments also include expanded access to networking opportunities with industry professionals, participation in Moot Court for three consecutive years, and the experience of role-playing an appellate court attorney with real time feedback from current Ninth Circuit judges. 

Neha is waiting to find out where she will attend college in the fall.  “The college application process has been very demanding – although hopefully worth its triumphs. I believe that my foundational skills in speaking translated to writing college essays. The majority of my college applications consisted of supplemental essays in which I wrote about many high school experiences, including referencing my journey within Speech and Debate of overcoming my speaking fears!” she shared.

When she packs her bags for college, she will also bring her SVUDL skills to campus. “I will definitely take my work ethic produced from Speech and Debate from preparing for competitions. My research and literacy skills have improved and will come in handy,” she said.

“Participating in Discussions about Free Speech at BILL was a Transformative Experience for Me as a Public Speaker.” - Katelynn Nguyen

Cindy Owyoung, Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at BILL, opened the exciting event by sharing how BILL has made a tremendous commitment to DEI across its more than 2000 employees in California, Texas, and Utah.  She described how proud BILL is to partner with SVUDL on this event.

Raj Aji, Chief Legal and Compliance Officer at BILL, then shared how he enjoyed volunteering as a debate judge for 4 years when his daughter was a debater in high school. The mission of SVUDL resonated with him as he feels strongly about using the power of debate to excel and make a difference in the world.

“As humans we possess this unique ability amongst all species to debate, and we have the capacity to settle disputes through reasoned discourse, rather than resorting to violence,” shared Raj. “Our institutions at the core of a democratic society are based on debate, and the reliance on the principle of debate in our institutions is what inspired me to go to law school.”

As the first in his family to immigrate to the US at age 22, he appreciated the opportunities to use the power of his voice to be heard and engage with society. This is part of what he is particularly drawn to about SVUDL - the chance to hear and offer different perspectives.

SVUDL Executive Director Rolland Janairo spoke next and shared the concept that although talent is everywhere, opportunity is not, and that SVUDL fosters the chance for students to explore careers they might not have known existed before to help imagine a bigger and brighter future.  He also extended his gratitude to the Makahakama Foundation that helped make the partnership with BILL and this event possible. He urged both SVUDL students and BILL professionals alike to use the evening’s opportunity to exchange information, make connections, and network.  He also expressed excitement that the SVUDL students would probe hot button topics relating to free speech on public campuses in order to explore (and model!) a more nuanced understanding while modeling argumentation, disagreement, and civic discourse.

SVUDL alum and Program Specialist Najma Ali served as the event facilitator. She set the stage with the question of whether we should allow unrestricted speech on moral and political issues at colleges and universities, and how it should be balanced with an institution’s obligation to create a culture of mutual respect.

Each of the SVUDL students took a different stance. Independence High School Junior Frank Shau advocated for absolute free speech. Silver Creek High School Junior Kaitlynn Nguyen advocated for freedom of speech with limitations on speech that incites violence. Mt. Pleasant High School Sophomore Ria Tyagi advocated for freedom of speech with limitations on offensive discussions involving immutable characteristics.

Each student had prepared three separate original oratories, and although not a standard debate structure, the audience would get to hear both areas of disagreement and concessions of agreement during the night.

Frank began the program.  He argued that free speech is as important as freedom of religion and that we would not be a nation itself without it. He quoted Benjamin Franklin that whoever would overthrow the liberty of a nation, must begin by subduing the freeness of speech. He passionately urged that society cannot give power to oppressors to restrict people’s voices – that absolute power corrupts absolutely.

He asked why one governing body, institution or university should get to decide who protects others from themselves or what others think. He warned of a dark future, an abyss where ideas are suppressed and a gray and monotonous world.

The other students each had a turn at cross examining where they posed queries about reconciling unlimited freedom of speech with the harm it may cause, such as  hate speech, and the issue of misinformation being able to be addressed only with freedom of speech.  They also discussed accountability for individuals who use their free speech to deceive and manipulate others.

Katelynn had her turn at the podium next.  She cited a poll that found 85 percent of Americans think free speech is more important than not offending others.  She also noted that the US has some of the strongest protections of free speech of the 195 countries recognized worldwide.

She urged a middle ground where balance is the focus: a compromise between restricted and unrestricted speech in that freedom of speech should be fair so long as an individual's safety isn’t directly threatened.

She urged that everyone has the right to equal participation, and with regard to student civil liberties, we should as a society allow freedom of speech so that everyone can express their beliefs and opinions freely without fear of censorship or reprisal.

“It must be balanced with protection to individual harms or direct threats. Education exists solely to facilitate discussion of ideas. Universities have to safeguard freedom of speech and individual safety for all on campus. Hindering an exchange of ideas hinders education,” she said.

She quoted UC Berkeley Professor Robert Reich who said that the best way to learn anything is to talk with somebody who disagrees with you. She asked how we can reconcile the freedom of speech while understanding that it doesn’t entail the freedom of consequences.

Institutions should create environments where debate can occur, but the reinstatement of slavery or promoting child exploitation should be rejected. These topics don’t merit debate, she urged. And with the backdrop of the Israeli-Palestinian war, she said campus administrators must make sure that students do not feel unsafe. “Blame is the issue,” she said. “By absolving one side we are polarizing the narrative. Don’t censor discussion; but foster constructive dialogue.”

She suggested that campus administrators convene professors and students with divergent views for dialogue, but one in which they also actively listen to each others’ views and grievances, such as programs recently held at University of Michigan and Rice University.

‘By examining your own bias and position, and holding discussions with solution-oriented questions, there is a freedom of speech integral to the educational environment, along with participation by all in discourse. We can uphold free expression while advancing inclusivity, tolerance and intellectual integrity,” she said.

Questions from the other two students centered on speech that contributes to violence directly or indirectly as well as conspiracy theories and distortion of information.

The final student to have their say was Ria Tyagi who argued that exceptions to free speech must be made in order to properly protect our country, and that speech must be regulated in school settings. She noted that we must be mindful in particular to culture, race, body type, gender, and other immutable traits in terms of forms of hate speech. “If we close our mind to the ability to change, then we would still stand for slavery,” she said. “Now, we appropriately recognize that all people are inherently equal.”

She talked about campuses at Harvard and UC Berkeley and the negative effects of unrestricted free speech on Jewish students in a world dominated by systemic hate and violence. She called for a healthy learning environment for all students where everyone feels safe and protected.

She urged that the school environment must still welcome sharing of opinions and a healthy debate with respectful opposing opinions. The curtailing of speech in a school environment would be solely to address hate speech in relation to immutable traits. “Students struggling with gender and identity suffer from bullying at school: two million students are quitting school,” she urged.  “Absolute freedom of speech costs the health and humanity of our children.”

The other students’ cross-examination centered on the topics of religious classes, the realities of trying to moderate speech and the prioritization of freedom of speech. Next up were summary speeches by all three students who had taken a few moments to reconstruct them based on the questions they had just addressed.

Frank argued that we must fight the beast of misinformation and hate to stop the evils of the world from hiding in the shadows in order to protect America. Katelynn called for universities to create truly inclusive learning environments conducive to intellectual growth: venues where debate can have dissenting views but without hate speech or denying historical injustices as those are beyond civil discourse.  

Ria focused on mental health in school and that safety is key. “You can’t exercise rights if you fear retribution.  Academic spaces should be safe places you can trust,” she said.  

Next came a chance for the audience to ask questions. These questions ranged from the value of unlimited free speech should there be no repercussions to what type of speech crosses the line and who decides when that line has been crossed. Questions also included trigger words on social media; restrictions on freedom of speech setting dangerous precedents; how states vary in their definitions of immutable characteristic values such as trans rights and the challenges educators face in handling these issues. 

The SVUDL students learned so much from this event: “Participating in discussions about free speech at BILL was a transformative experience for me as a public speaker. I felt genuinely listened to and empowered to express my thoughts in a professional, inclusive, and open environment,” said Katelynn Nguyen. “I enjoyed being able to speak and interact with the BILL community and the experience reminded me of why I joined debate in the first place,” said Ria Tyagi.

Thank you to BILL and the Makahakama Foundation for the tremendous opportunity to hold this event!

“I’m an immigrant and my experience and feelings about a topic is something that no one else can describe better than myself.” - Anderson Ortiz

SVUDL enables students to uncover and hone the power of their voices so that they can confidently step into their full potential as professional and community leaders: Anderson Ortiz is an excellent example of this. Not only is he a senior at Oxford Day Academy in East Palo Alto, but he has earned a spot in the coveted Boys and Girls Club of the Peninsula for the Youth of the Year finals, securing a spot in the nationals in Sacramento!

Anderson recognizes that having a diversity of voices helps to build a more equitable and brighter world. “We can all share experiences and feelings about a social conflict that is affecting our society. I’m an immigrant and my experience and feelings about a topic is something that no one else can describe better than myself.  Perhaps I was there and people around the world can learn from my unique perspective. This is true for many around the globe. If we all have a voice, we can start to address those conflicts,” he noted.

The tools he gleaned from SVUDL help him advocate for what he feels is important. “The skills I have learned and value most are public speaking and the ability to express my thoughts and feelings about what is happening around me:  the ability to speak in public is a skill that not only helps me in the academic arena, but also in the social arena. Being able to express my thoughts and feelings about any problem or any situation will always be invaluable to me,” said Anderson. 

SVUDL has changed the perspective of Anderson’s life in a multitude of ways. “Now, in every situation, I want to see two sides of the same coin,” he said. Since he joined SVUDL, he realized that the way he sees the world has changed. “Being positive and seeing the positivity in life is part of that. No matter what I’m going through or what the situation is around me, I’m always able to flip the coin and see the pros of that situation. Making decisions has always been hard for me, but my perspective has changed and now I make better decisions by seeing both the pros and cons of every situation I’m facing,” he said.

SVUDL has also impacted his academic goals for the future. He is excited to go to college and put his impromptu skills into practice in this outside world. “I’m ready for college and for life, and part of that is because of SVUDL. The skill of communication and critical thinking is something that makes me feel ready for my goals for the future, and SVUDL has been the key to me feeling comfortable in that area,” Anderson reflected.

The encouragement of every culture is something that surprised him during  his journey through Speech and Debate. “As an English language learner, I was scared about how the experience was going to be in the SVUDL environment. But, when I saw that everyone understood my situation, and gave me the opportunity to participate in my first language, Spanish, it changed everything for me. It was incredible to see the encouragement of everyone around me without them ‘seeing’ my nationality, race or religion,” he said.

Anderson will be heading to college this fall with the goal of majoring in Kinesiology.  Wherever he goes, we know he’ll be ready for the challenges as he brings his full experiences and skill set from the past few years to campus.

HP Senior Legal Counsel Usha Narayanan Joins SVUDL Legal Advisory Committee

In 2022, there were approximately 195,000 active, licensed attorneys in California but this population does not begin to reflect the state’s incredible diversity. 

From the start, diversity has always been in HP’s source code —from hiring the first known Asian-American engineer in Silicon Valley history in 1946 to expanding the way the company hired by recruiting talent in the 1960’s. Every employee at every level plays a part at HP in weaving diversity, equity, and inclusion into the fabric of the company.  HP’s Senior Legal Counsel Usha Narayanan is no exception.   She currently works with HP worldwide legal volunteerism as a liaison with many different volunteer organizations. 

“The origins of HP stemmed from the key concept of giving everyone an opportunity in life. Diversity is built right into our DNA here. More and more companies are beginning to recognize that they need to have different voices at the table. At HP, we are striving in partnership with SVUDL to make sure that we are growing the pipeline,” said Usha.

Part of Usha’s commitment to HP and diversity is best exemplified by her mentorship of a SVUDL student. Her first intersection with SVUDL occurred when she was asked to become a mentor seven years ago. Ultimately, Usha’s mentee started college at University of California, Berkeley,  majoring in political science. 

Capturing and drawing from diverse points of view improves the world as a whole. By helping students uncover and hone the power of their voices, they can confidently step into their full potential as professional and community leaders to ensure a future where broader perspectives are reflected and represented at the highest levels of government and industry, and in which people from all sides are able to find common ground.  

Please join us in welcoming Usha to SVUDL’s Legal Advisory Committee!