BJF Society Resumes Activity on Campus, Holds Initial Debates After Two Decades
The Benedict Joseph Fenwick Debating Society, a student organisation named after the second Bishop of Boston and a renowned Jesuit associated with Holy Cross College, has recently been reinstated at the College of the Holy Cross. The revived debating society, which had been inactive for over a decade, offers a platform for students to engage in intellectual and rhetorical development through formal debates on contemporary and philosophical topics.
The history of the Benedict Joseph Fenwick Debating Society can be traced back to 1846, making it one of the oldest student organisations at Holy Cross. However, specific details about its past activities, present state, and future plans are not readily available online. For a comprehensive understanding of the society's history, recent debates, and future aspirations, it is recommended to consult official Holy Cross student organisation resources, campus announcements, or contact the society directly, especially if they maintain a presence on social media or the college website.
In the spirit of open discourse and preserving Holy Cross history, a group of students and faculty members, including Professor Stephanie Yuhl, Owen Whaley '24, Matthew Rae '24, Emmeline Lignowski '24, and Leonidas Alexandris '24, worked together to revive the organisation at Holy Cross. The revival of the B.J.F. Society has been well-received, with the organisation planning to host a series of debates on various topics that are relevant to academia and society.
The B.J.F. Society's upcoming debates are scheduled to begin on November 2nd, with topics ranging from the 2024 presidential election, the possibility of Greek life on campus, and the nature of human morality. The society also plans to host a second round of debates, featuring discussions on the Trump prosecution, the Second Amendment, and climate policy.
In addition to hosting debates, the B.J.F. Society is inviting underclassmen to apply for positions on its 4-member advisory board later in the year. Those who serve on the advisory board will be in a strong position to pursue e-board positions in the future.
The B.J.F. Debating Society encourages all community members to spectate or participate directly in its debates. The society's first practice session in twenty years was held on Nov. 4, 2021, in the Levis Browsing Room of Dinand Library, and the debates during the practice session revolved around Holy Cross' Catholic identity, whether President Biden should be re-elected, and whether U.S. military personnel should be deployed to Mexico to disrupt the flow of illicit drugs and illegal immigration.
The revival of the B.J.F. Debating Society marks an exciting time for intellectual discourse at Holy Cross. The society aims to remain active at Holy Cross for another 150 years and beyond, fostering critical thinking and public speaking skills among its members and the broader community. For more information about the B.J.F. Society, interested individuals can visit @thebjfsociety on Instagram or sites.google.com/g.holycross.edu/bjfsociety.
- The revived Benedict Joseph Fenwick Debating Society, a prestigious student organization at the College of the Holy Cross, offers students an opportunity to engage in intellectual and rhetorical development.
- The B.J.F. Debating Society's upcoming debates will cover a wide range of topics, including the 2024 presidential election, Greek life on campus, human morality, Trump prosecution, the Second Amendment, climate policy, and Holy Cross' Catholic identity.
- The society invites underclassmen to apply for positions on its advisory board later in the year, providing an opportunity for them to pursue e-board positions in the future.
- The society encourages all community members to spectate or participate directly in its debates, which showcase critical thinking and public speaking skills.
- For more comprehensive information about the society's history, recent debates, and future aspirations, it is recommended to consult official Holy Cross student organisation resources or contact the society directly.
- The revival of the B.J.F. Debating Society signifies an era of renewed intellectual discourse at Holy Cross, with the aim of staying active at the college for another 150 years and beyond.
