Westmont Magazine Revived Club Dives into Debate

The resurrected Westmont Debate Tournament crowned Hannah Grierson ’22 as champion on April 23 in the Global Leadership Center. Grierson, former Westmont College Student Association (WCSA) president and political science graduate, earned $500 for successfully arguing against the topic of the United States implementing a universal basic income. Eden Lawson ’24, a winner of the 2022 David K. Winter Servant Leadership Award, came in second place, taking home $250.

Jack Gilley ’24 won the debate against Jasper Litton ’24, claiming third place and $100 for arguing against California public schools requiring school uniforms.

Professors Elizabeth Gardner, Lesa Stern, Alister Chapman, Tom Knecht, Ed Song and Jim Taylor judged the debates. Professor Katherine Bryant advises the debate club.

Hans Khoe ’22, outgoing debate club president and former WCSA vice president, restarted the debate club in 2019. He graduated in May with a degree in political science and is pursuing a master in public health before applying to law school.

Gilley, interim president for the fall, has recruited about 30 new students and begun teaching them the nuances of developing well-reasoned arguments in a civil manner. Ebun Kalejaiye ’23 will be club president and Rebecca Li vice president in the spring when they return from study-abroad programs.