Open to Debate and ASU’s Institute of Politics Launch ‘PRO/CONversations’ Series with Birthright Citizenship Debate

Nonprofit media platform Open to Debate today announced a new partnership with Arizona State University's Institute of Politics to bring live debate to ASU's campus this year in a special series titled "PRO/CONversations." Produced by Arizona PBS in the Arizona State University Media Enterprise-which will air and promote the recorded programs-the series will model civil discourse for students while offering journalism students hands-on production experience.

The kickoff event will debate the question "Should America End Birthright Citizenship?" It will take place Thursday, October 9 at 1:00 PM Arizona Time at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University. Arguing in favor of ending birthright citizenship will be Center for Immigration Studies Executive Director Mark Krikorian, a nationally recognized expert on immigration issues, and constitutional scholar Horace Cooper, a senior fellow with the National Center for Public Policy Research. Arguing against ending birthright citizenship will be Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes and National Day Laborer Organizing Network Legal Director Chris Newman, who has worked with day laborers since 2002.

The nonpartisan Institute of Politics is led by former U.S. Senator and Ambassador Jeff Flake, whose experience debating with Open to Debate himself inspired him to bring their programming to campus with ASU President Michael Crow's support. The Institute of Politics is fortunate also to have political strategist David Axelrod, ASU Professor of Practice, who participates in the Dialogues for Democracy speaker series and the Fellows Program.

"ASU has long set the standard for innovation in higher education, and now we're proud to lead in modeling civil discourse," says Ambassador Flake. "Partnering with Open to Debate brings a national platform to ASU's campus and underscores the university's commitment to showing that respectful and constructive debate still has a place in American public life."

This initiative extends Open to Debate's ongoing commitment to modeling civil discourse on university campuses. It builds upon the Hopkins Forum, a partnership with Johns Hopkins University's SNF Agora Institute, which launched in January and has so far debated the future of the Supreme Court (with Flake among the debaters), the A.I. arms race between the United States and China, and whether the COVID-19 response was a public health failure.

"On a personal note, I'm thrilled to bring Open to Debate to my home state of Arizona," said Clea Conner, CEO of Open to Debate. "Over the past 20 years, I've watched ASU transform into the nation's most innovative public university, now serving more than 180,000 students worldwide. Hosting our debates in the ASU Media Enterprise honors the legacy of a free press, and we're proud that ASU is the first public university to collaborate with Open to Debate. We look forward to working alongside Cronkite students to produce each of our live broadcasts as well."

ABOUT OPEN TO DEBATE
Open to Debate addresses a fundamental problem in America: the extreme polarization of our nation and our politics. We are the nation's only nonpartisan, debate-driven media organization dedicated to bringing multiple viewpoints together for a constructive, balanced, respectful exchange of ideas. Open to Debate is a platform for intellectually curious and open-minded people to engage with others holding opposing views on complex issues. We know debate works to find common ground: On average, 32% of the Open to Debate audience changes their mind on contentious topics after hearing a debate. That's the power of debate done right, and at scale, it can change the direction we're headed in America. Open to Debate is broadcast as a weekly public radio program, carried on NPR stations including WNYC (#1 in the nation). Open to Debate is made available as a podcast, video series, and digital platform, and records episodes with live audiences nationwide. Visit opentodebate.org to become a member, access an archive of more than 220 debates, and attend live events.

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ABOUT THE ASU INSTITUTE OF POLITICS
The ASU Institute of Politics, an initiative of the Office of the Executive Vice President and University Provost, is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of public service leaders. Led by Arizona native and former U.S. senator, congressman, and ambassador to Turkey Jeff Flake, the IOP offers nonpartisan programming that equips ASU students-both on campus and online-with the knowledge, skills, and networks to pursue impactful careers in politics, public policy, and public service. Through on-campus events and off-campus internships, students gain direct exposure to Washington, D.C., civic leadership, and democracy in action.

ABOUT ARIZONA PBS
Arizona PBS is one of the nation's leading public media organizations, with four broadcast channels and a growing array of digital platforms. A trusted community resource for nearly 60 years, our station fosters lifelong learning through quality programming, in-depth news coverage and critical educational outreach services. Our signal reaches 80% of homes in Arizona, delivering news, science, arts and children's programming to over 1 million households each week.

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For more information on Open to Debate, contact Ray Padgett ([email protected]) or Mark Satlof ([email protected]) at Shore Fire Media.