Texas Border Business
The IB Debate Forum was created by a group of McAllen ISD International Baccalaureate students to foster and promote student involvement in the electoral process through youth sponsorship of candidate and subject matter debates. The students are committed to presenting these issues with integrity, impartiality, and in a respectful manner.
The group’s mission statement is to educate and encourage the McAllen ISD youth on matters of city politics.
One of the IB Debate Forum’s goals is to present a forum where issues affecting our community and nation can be openly discussed.
The members are honored to have Veronica Whitacre, Javier Villalobos, Michael Fallek, and Shahid Rashid answer questions in a debate organized and run solely by students. The event is set for 4:30 p.m. April 20. To learn more about the event, email ibdebateforum21@ gmail.com or call (956) 478-2487.
When asked about her decision to lead this organization, Olivia Gonzalez stated, “As part of the McAllen youth, I have found it difficult to take part in city politics and get information on it. McAllen as a whole has a low voter turnout. It is important to educate the McAllen youth on matters of local politics, so that they may form their own opinions when they enter the polls in the near future. Although we are young, we can use our voices to instill change for a better future for McAllen.”
Olivia Gonzalez and other members of the IB Debate Forum are currently organizing a mayoral debate. The IB Debate Forum is composed of juniors attending IB Lamar Academy.
