Wheaton joins national debate event

National security, military intervention and the spread of weapons of mass destruction--all issues likely to remain front and center for the 2004 presidential election--will be on the agenda Monday, October 20, for an American foreign policy debate at Wheaton.

Wheaton's debate is part of a program of 1,000 debates taking place around the country this month to facilitate the development of opinions and perspectives on U.S foreign policy. The event, titled, ''The People Speak: America Debates its Role in the World,'' will address questions on topics including the legitimate use of military force and the role of international institutions. Audience participation is encouraged, as the goal of the debate is to engage as many Americans as possible to discuss both sides of the issues. After student debate and audience discussion, a ballot vote will take place.

The People Speak events are jointly funded by the Open Society Institute, the Rockefeller Brothers Fund and the United Nations Foundation as part of their ongoing missions to support grassroots community involvement in foreign policy. To learn more, go to www.jointhedebate.com.

The event begins at 7 p.m. on Monday, October 20 in the Woolley Room, Mary Lyon Hall. Light refreshments will be served. Mary Lyon Hall is wheelchair accessible. For more information contact the Office of Communications at 508-286-8235.