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Equal Protection Clause Reflection Activity

Directions:

Have students split up into groups. They should argue one side of the debate over whether indirectly creating greater racial diversity violates the Equal Protection Clause, and then alternate so that everyone gets to argue both sides.

Suggested Time Limit  Instructions 
5 minutes  Teams brainstorm reasons to support the side they have been assigned and prepare arguments for their position. Use the readings to build your argument. 
4 minutes (2 and 2)  Each team has 2 minutes to state its views and arguments without interruption from the opposing team. Take notes when the other team presents its position. Team A begins and only Team A may speak. Team B listens and takes notes. If Team A finishes before time is called, Team B may ask clarifying questions until Team B is given the signal to begin. 
1 minute  Step out of the debate format and ask any clarifying questions 
5 minutes  SWITCH SIDES. Now Team A must argue Team B’s position and vice versa. Each team prepares arguments for its new position. Teams can use arguments already advanced by the other side but should try to strengthen such arguments by adding to them. Teams can also develop new arguments. 
4 minutes (2 and 2)  Each team has 2 minutes to state its views and arguments without interruption from the opposing team. Take notes when the other team presents its position. Team A begins. Only Team A may speak. Team B listens and takes notes. If Team A finishes before time is called, Team B may ask clarifying questions until Team B is given the signal to begin. 
1 minute  Step out of the debate format and ask any clarifying questions. 
5-10 minutes  Step out of assigned positions. Share your own opinions. Try to reach a consensus position that is acceptable to both teams and prepare to share your consensus statement(s) with the class. 
Class debrief. Each team will share its consensus statements. 

Reflection Guidelines:

  • I am critical of ideas, not people. I challenge and refute the ideas of the opposing pair, but I do not indicate that I personally reject them. 
  • I focus on coming to the best decision possible, not winning (i.e., we are all winners here. This isn’t a competition). 
  • I encourage everyone to participate and master all relevant information. 
  • I listen to everyone’s ideas, even if I do not agree. 
  • I ask for clarification if I am confused, or something is unclear. 
  • I try to understand both sides of the issue.