Debate Night
Bringing together the people and ideas
shaping what's next for higher education.
October 14-16, 2026
Luskin Conference Center, UCLA
An invitation-only convening
INSPIRE DEBATE NIGHT: What is the purpose of Higher Ed in the Age of AI?
5:00-7:00 p.m. | UCLA Luskin Conference Center
Free and open to the public | Registration required
Kick off INSPIRE with a different kind of conversation about the purpose of higher education, one shaped not by a panel of experts, but by the people in the room.
Hosted by the California Education Learning Lab in partnership with the My Robot Teacher podcast, this free opening-night event is open to all INSPIRE attendees and members of the broader UCLA and Los Angeles higher education community.
WHAT TO EXPECT
A participatory debate, not a panel
There will be no slate of experts at the front of the room. Instead, participants will engage in a lively, parliamentary-style debate, contributing arguments for and against the evening’s resolution.
You can participate by speaking, listening, signaling support for an idea, or simply taking in the conversation. No debate experience or advance preparation is needed.
parliamentary-style debate
A room filled with different perspectives
INSPIRE attendees from institutions across California will be joined by students, faculty, staff, and administrators from UCLA and the broader Los Angeles higher education community.
Innovative projects and emerging ideas
Arrive early at 4:30 p.m. for a bonus opportunity to explore posters highlighting innovative projects and practices from across the Learning Lab community and beyond.
Meet your facilitator
We’re thrilled to welcome April Lawson, co-founder of Insight Debate & Dialogue, to facilitate Debate Night. A nationally recognized leader in civic dialogue and depolarization, April creates structured spaces for serious listening, productive disagreement, and hard questions. She will guide participants through the debate and closing reflection.
April Lawson
Free and open to the public.
Bring a class, student group, advisees, or colleagues. Debate Night may be especially relevant to courses focused on AI, ethics, or education.
Attend with classmates, friends, or on your own. You do not need any debate experience or special expertise to participate.
Planning to bring a class or larger group? Please contact us at info@calearninglab.org so we can help coordinate attendance.
Space is limited. Advance registration preferred.
WITH SUPPORT FROM
