The year is 2026. Trump’s second term has opened a window of cultural and political discourse through which the essence of Americanism is changing. In that highly volatile period, the promise of “Diversity Equity and Inclusion” has been targeted, stripped from institutions and largely defunded. Today, as our country redefines itself, what is the role of DEI in academia? Can U.S. higher education institutions navigate the treacherous currents of American politics to salvage DEI?
The Resolution: DEI in higher education is salvageable.
Debaters:
Date & Time:
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
7:30 PM – 9:30 PM (EST)
Join us here on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/MG6TpGl27Bc
Meet the Debaters
Dr. Aaron Pomerantz – Proposition
Dr. Aaron Pomerantz is a social-organizational psychologist at Rice University. His research examines how cultural and ideological frameworks shape leadership, institutional decision-making, and support for attitudes and behaviors that can harm individuals and communities. His work has appeared in Current Psychology, Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology, and The Journal of Personality Assessment, and he has been featured in The Hill, Newsweek, and the Austin American-Statesman.
Garion Frankel – Opposition
Garion Frankel is a PhD student in PK-12 educational leadership at Texas A&M University. He is a Young Voices alum, and his writing has appeared in outlets like Newsweek, USA Today, and the Houston Chronicle.
About Young Voices Debates
Young Voices hosts monthly Oxford-style debates that bring top thought leaders together with our rising talent. Held in person in New York City and streamed online, these debates provide a rigorous exchange of ideas on the most pressing issues of our time.
This debate will be streamed live on YouTube. Registrants will receive the viewing link via Luma.
The Oxford-style debate will be moderated by Hekmat Matthew Aboukhater, Director of Young Voices Debates.
