Longwood’s annual Raft Debate set for April 12

Before Longwood University hosts the U.S. vice presidential debate later this year, it will host another debate with life or death consequences—rhetorically speaking.

The fourth annual Raft Debate, which mixes serious academic discussion about the value of the liberal arts with sarcasm, wit and humor, will be held Tuesday, April 12, at 7 p.m. in Wygal Auditorium. A reception will follow.

In this event, which is open to the public, three shipwreck survivors—professors arguing the merits of their respective disciplines—debate which of them deserves to take the only remaining life raft to safety. A fourth faculty member, called a "devil’s advocate," argues for sinking the raft. Audience applause determines the winner.

This year’s representatives are Dr. Julian Dymacek, assistant professor of computer science; Dr. Christopher Jones, associate professor of special education; and Jeffrey Spicer, lecturer in English. Dr. Alec Hosterman, assistant professor of communication studies, will play the devil’s advocate.