Do you think the death penalty is ethical?
Should zoos even exist?
And would an AI ban be effective?

We—Izzy B. and Marlene T.—spent our semester exploring a range of controversial topics, sending out surveys, scheduling interviews, organizing live debate events, as well as collecting selections of student opinions in a limited-editing print zine (find copies spread around campus).

Be sure to watch the video of AISB students grappling with these topics and more down below. In addition, we compiled a video from the live free speech debate we hosted. Also be sure to read our zine below, including quotes from students and teachers, to find out what they think about these topics and many more!

Video #1: Student Interviews

To capture students’ and teachers’ opinions on the chosen topics, we filmed interviews with those who agreed to participate and edited them together into one video. In this video, you will find interviews with students from grades 6–10, as well as interviews with several teachers. Thank you to everyone who participated in this video and helped make this project possible!

Video #2: The Debate

As part of this project, we also hosted a free speech debate on Thursday, April 30, during lunch. At the event, students could debate against teachers on the controversial topics we chose. Unfortunately, we did not get to discuss all the topics because there was not enough time, which is why only the first three topics were included. Thank you to everyone who came to participate or watch!

The Controversial Opinions Zine

Video #3: Bloopers

Lastly, here are all bloopers and other things that went wrong during filming. We hope you enjoy!