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Letter Sent to Syracuse Chancellor



Rough draft!!!!!!



April 7, 1995

Chancellor Kenneth A. Shaw
Syracuse University
300 Tolley Administration Building
Syracuse, New York 13244

Dear Chancellor Shaw:

I have just heard that the College of Visual and Performing Arts would no 
longer be able to provide the Syracuse University intercollegiate debate team 
with a travel budget.

As a former President of the Cross Examination Debate Association, I am very 
concerned about the activity and its member programs. As you no doubt know, 
Syracuse has a long and substantial tradition in intercollegiate debate.  
Furthermore, your program has fielded very talented debaters who are 
excellent representatives of your institution.  These students engage in 
what I believe is the most challenging and intellectually rigorous activity 
that occurs on college campuses.  Over the years Syracuse University has 
trained students who knew nothing about debate as beginners and 
these students have become outstanding competitors.  
Syracuse University is well known in the east and throughout the nation 
because of the accomplishments of the debate team.

Debate is excellent preparation for graduate school, law school and public 
life.  Various studies in professional journals have documented the ability 
of debate to teach critical thinking, research skills, analytical
ability and other important skills for the educated person.  
I can think of no activity in higher education that is more comprehensive
in its scope and its impact upon students.

I urge you to assist the Syracuse debate program in finding a stable source 
of sufficient funding to continue the program in future years.  It is 
valuable for the University and the students.

Sincerely,


Russell Church
Professor of Speech and Theatre


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