Last year saw an outbreak of high-profile racial crimes, igniting the “Black Lives Matter” movement and a national conversation on race relations.
Harvard University professor Randall Kennedy and Wall Street Journal columnist Jason Riley brought competing ideas in this conversation to campus Tuesday evening, engaging in their third debate this year about whether liberal government policies have helped or hurt black Americans. The event was hosted by the UW-Madison chapter of Turning Point USA, a conservative nonprofit on campus.
Taking the conservative position, Riley argued against the necessity of government intervention. Kennedy challenged Riley’s platform, arguing that programs have benefited black Americans.
Riley asserted the true barriers to racial equality are cultural deficiencies in black communities. He disputed the effectiveness of liberal policies that attempt to create equality of opportunity.
“I think there are limits, even when the policies are well-intentioned, and I think the past half-century is evidence of that,” Riley said. “I believe that blacks must ultimately help themselves.”
Kennedy countered the racial history Riley presented was inaccurate and called racism a persistent problem in America. He said government programs are helpful for advancing minority interests.
“There should be social insurance against disasters, and liberal social policy provides that assistance,” Kennedy said. “The idea that we need to have a black presence for purposes of legitimacy, to provide different views and enrich deliberation, has been good for the United States.”
The debate became contentious when Kennedy defended the legitimacy of the Black Lives Matter movement, while Riley said police abusing their power is not a widespread problem.
“Young black men in this country do not live in fear of being shot by cops,” Riley said.
Sophomore Kelly Ward said the debate served as a refreshing outlet for many voices on campus.
“This event is important because there are countless liberal-minded events on campus, and there aren’t too many spaces that do have a conservative perspective,” Ward said. “And it’s extremely important to get both sides of the issue.”
Aside from its political leanings, freshman Jenna Fletcher said the debate provided a balanced presentation of an important issue.
“I think it’s important, especially in light of the recent race conversations, to stay educated and not just be comfortable in your own viewpoint,” Fletcher said.
