6th graders head to capitol for spirited debate

During a fun field trip to wrap up the year, students were able to debate on the House floor during a visit to the Tennessee State Capitol. See more photos from their final lesson here.
By Ian Dinkins, Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications

The Tennessee State Capitol saw an infusion of youthful energy and thoughtful dialogue when sixth graders from University School of Nashville took over the House of Representatives chambers for a morning of debate, reflection, and civic engagement on Wednesday, May 21.

For the assignment, students had to argue for different sides of a myriad of issues, regardless of their feelings on the issue. With their voices ringing out from the same desks that have hosted seasoned lawmakers, these students brought a level of preparation, civility, and passion that wowed onlookers in the gallery. 

“I'm hoping they see the importance of using their voices to advance their perspectives and using their ears to hear where someone else may be coming from,” said Sixth Grade English Teacher Katie Reen Sandidge, who was named the Lisa and Mike Shmerling Chair for Excellence in Teaching earlier this month.  

To kick off the debate, Emma Harris ’31 stepped up to the lectern in support of animal testing for medicine. It was clear that the students came with thoughtfulness and conviction. Harris opened the first debate with a heartfelt case in support, which many of her classmates agreed with. 

“I stand with Rep. Harris on animal testing because it has saved the lives of many people in the community,” echoed Ryan Ricks ’31, who advocated for the continued use of animal models in medical research.

The topic sparked animated responses from students on both sides of the issue. Teddy Sauer ’31, looking toward the future, proposed AI as a more ethical alternative to using animals. After a respectful and data-rich debate, the "ayes" had it, and the chamber voted to ban animal testing.

The energy stayed high for the second debate, where the question of banning TikTok in the United States took center stage. Brynn Hillenmeyer ’31 argued in favor of a ban, citing concerns about addiction and mental health. 

“TikTok’s algorithm uses short videos to release small dopamine hits for users that cause addiction because people want that feeling again,” Hillenmeyer told the chamber.

Countering the motion, Blake Resnick ’31 pushed back by questioning whether the app’s country of origin was coloring public opinion.

“Would we feel this way if TikTok were based in England?” he asked his peers.

In the end, TikTok was allowed to stay, following another round of thoughtful exchanges and a spirited vote.

For Sandidge, the educational value of the day went far beyond who won or lost a particular argument. 

“I'm hoping my students took away from the experience that they are able to grapple with big concepts and ideas, that reasonable people can come to different conclusions, and that their voice is powerful,” she said. “They learned how researching both sides of a policy is important in order to become informed citizens and that democracy depends on participation.”

The visit came together thanks to a connection between Sandidge and USN parent Mike Bivens, who helped introduce the idea during a class unit on debate years ago.

“He knew we were working on a debate unit, and he mentioned that any group can secure the capitol as long as a member sponsors them,” Sandidge explained. “From there, I reached out to Rep. Bob Freeman, and since then, aside from COVID years, we've been able to secure the chamber. I'm hoping they see the importance of using their voices to advance their perspectives and using their ears to hear where someone else may be coming from.”

Following the session, the students capped off their day with a well-earned lunch at the Nashville Farmers’ Market.

For one day, the state capitol wasn’t just a place of government; instead, it was a classroom where the next generation of leaders took center stage. Judging by their performance, the future of civic discourse is in good hands.
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