Public Square Debate

Join us for a Public Square Debate hosted by Southern Virginia University and VMI's Civil Debate Initiative Program!

Resolved: Social media is a threat to democracy.

Come experience two hours of thoughtful dialogue on this pressing question. As social media shapes how we communicate, consume information, and engage in civic life, this debate will explore whether these platforms strengthen or undermine our democratic institutions.

Public Square Debates model what respectful disagreement looks like: careful listening, critical thinking, and engaging with diverse perspectives. Whether you're participating or observing, you'll walk away with fresh insights into one of the defining issues of our time.

This event brings together students from Southern Virginia University, Virginia Military Institute, Washington and Lee University, and Mountain Gateway Community College. Community members and high school students—you're warmly invited!

📅 February 18
⏰ 7:00–9:00 p.m.
📍 Main Hall Ballroom, Southern Virginia University
🔗 Register here: https://vmi.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bHp5MTgP4zQbr8O?Q_CHL=qr

You may also like the following events from VMI Center For Leadership and Ethics:

• This March, 9th March, 10:30 am, Courageous Leadership Speaker: Kyle Carpenter in Lexington