Debating for the affirmative side with Bernstein are journalism student Cynthia Phillips and Jonathan Farr, a film and television student. Collaborating with Zelnick for the negative, are broadcast journalism student Pamela Prickett and John Boyle, a public relations major. In the same fashion as previous debates held at Boston University, College of Communication Department of Journalism chairman Ranald Macdonald will mediate the event. Rules, etiquette, and procedures of the debate are loosely based on the English Oxford and Cambridge University Union debates as they have developed over some 180 years. The event is expected to attract 500 students and attendees.
Admission is free and open to the public.