Dangerous Debates at Emanuel
Emanuel School Year 12 Madricha, Serena May enjoys a good debate.
Serena May
As the School’s Communications Madricha she is no stranger to the art of conversation and the power of words. On 29 May 2013, Serena, along with her school mentor, David Camp, will present Emanuel School’s inaugural Night of Dangerous Debates at 6:30pm at the School.
Serena, who is passionate about examining issues rather than accepting them at face value said, “I was inspired by a wish to create an event that encourages both students and adults to think deeply about current social issues. The Night will be a night of argument and in-depth debate on issues of women’s rights, tolerance in Australian society, and the relevance of religion. I urge the community to join us in delving into these controversial and valuable conversations.”
Emanuel School Principal, Anne Hastings said, ”Emanuel School encourages critical and deep thinking and openness. Our students are problem solvers and active lifelong learners. Serena embodies these traits and has put an enormous amount of energy in creating an enriching program. The event promises to be a thought-provoking evening, which will raise issues relevant and important to Jews, Australians, and indeed citizens of the world.”
Entry is free and anyone within or outside of the Emanuel School community is welcome to attend.”
The first of three panel discussions on the night, “Bring Back the Feminist Revolution”, will feature Emanuel history teacher Dr Sally Cove, a representative from the Sydney University SRC Womens’ Officers, and Emanuel alumnus (and current Law student at Sydney University) Anthony Small. The panel will discuss whether there is a need at all for feminism, and if so how the movement should evolve.
Next will be a discussion on the topic “We Need to Debate Multiculturalism”. The panel will question to what extent Australian society can be considered tolerant with regards to refugees, migrants and indigenous Australians, and if this tolerance is present in Australian foreign policy.
The last panel will debate whether “Religion is Poisoning Our Society”, and consider to what extent (if any) religion should influence law and politics, taking into account religion’s input into anti-abortion and same sex marriage debates. Emanuel Synagogue Rabbi Jeffrey Kamins, UNSW lecturer and Marxist Gunter Minnerup and Anthony Small will take part in this panel.
