Dartmouth Events

In the upcoming debate on the legalization of sex work, a panel of students will engage in a structured discussion moderated by Debate Director Eli Moyse ‘27.

Student debaters will prepare opening statements and engage with their counterparts who hold different opinions. Competing moral authorities have for decades driven a cultural reckoning in America, and its reach has not stopped at the bedroom door. The Legalization of Sex Work is a unique issue in the fact that it splits even the most cohesive factions existing within American Politics. There is disagreement on whether Sex Work should be legalized within the modern feminist movement, the American Left, and LGBTQ+ affinity groups. The issue even splits the American Right, serving as a flashpoint between values-driven and libertarian Republicans.

Some see the legalization of sex work as a signal of moral decline, and a governmentally sanctioned venue to exploit and traffic vulnerable individuals. Others argue that sex work is inevitable, and recognizing this fact by forming laws about it would promote safety and give those who engage in it more dignity in their work.

At the beginning of the debate, the audience will be surveyed on their opinions surrounding the issue. At the end, the same survey will be given to explore how the debate changed the opinions of audience members.