Ballot Question Debate #1: Expanded Slot-Machine Gaming

By Lucy Kim
News Reporter

During this past Monday J block, South students participated in a debate concerning the question  of whether slot-machine gaming should be expanded or not in Massachusetts.

This debate marked the first of four debates focused on educating the South community about the statewide ballot questions in this year’s election.

Senior James Rao argued the case in support of allowing the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to issue additional slot parlor licenses, while senior Ayush Upneja countered his claim.

Both debaters disregarded their personal opinions on the matter and presented just the perspective and reasoning for their appointed side.

History Teacher Michael Kozuch began organizing student run debates discussing current political issues last year as an opportunity for students to further engage in these topics.

“I saw my students were very engaged in the primaries,” Kozuch said. “I wanted to give them an opportunity to discuss these important issues.”

Not only do these debates raise student interest in current political controversies, but also they allow students to receive unbiased, accurate information on contrasting perspectives.

On this topic, the supporters of this motion cite that the state would receive millions of dollars of revenue and this expansion will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs.

However, opposers believe that the implementation of slot parlors in Massachusetts remains too new of a program and the state should not pursue expansion before assessing the negative impacts of already established parlors.

Kozuch believes that it remains important for students to learn this information and become aware members of society, regardless of whether or not they are voting.

“In addition, some students will be voting on November 8th and it is important they are informed,” said Kozuch. “Even if students can’t vote, they can influence others who can vote through social media, having conversations with people, writing for publications or volunteering on campaigns.”

Students have more power than they realize during election cycles, and can utilize the knowledge gained from this and other debates to influence the outcome.

Agreeing with Kozuch, Rao believes that in addition to these debates, opening up senior-only electives to underclassmen can increase awareness.

“One thing might be opening up some of these classes, such as ethics or US government, to non-seniors because right now, many of them are senior-only electives,” said Rao.

However, Upneja believes the best course of action to raise awareness in the classroom remains to dedicate one week to review current political issues.

“Classes like US Government and Comparative Government do spend time on public policy, but I think that there should be at least one dedicated week in each history class to simply discuss public policy as most of it directly affects us,” Upneja said.

All three interviewed hope that this and all upcoming debates enable students to become more informed citizens, and therefore, vote wisely.

The next three debates will take place during Monday J blocks in the Lecture Hall, everyone is welcomed to come and watch.