Inside HSAS’s Newest Space for Debate

Jesse Fraser-Greytak, Grade 10, and Daniel Brindle-Khym, Grade 10, Staff Writers

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The High School of American Studies (HSAS) welcomes a new club—and it navigates the complexities of politics. 

    Every Friday after school, the Political Ideology Club meets in room 126 to discuss a diverse array of political philosophies. Under the leadership of founder Clyde Britelle (‘28), socialism, communism, and capitalism all get a seat at the table. Members explore the causes, effects, and applications of these philosophies.

    The club, in its constitution, states that it doesn’t merely serve to teach club members about the ideologies, but to get them excited about politics through approachable, engaging activities. 

    “Many high-schoolers just don’t have strong beliefs around political issues,” explains Britelle. “I hoped the club could become a way for students to develop their own personal political philosophies and inspire them to participate in politics later on.” 

    This open-minded philosophy is reflected in each meeting, where members discuss their stances on everything from abortion to Ukraine. “I hope that they can come away from each meeting with a greater understanding of not only the issues,” he adds, “but their own beliefs regarding them.” 

    However, the club doesn’t deal with just the modern day: it aims to break down the history, influential figures, and formative events behind each belief. “By going into the history,” Clyde concludes, “we can see the conception of the ideologies, and how they’ve changed over time to adapt with issues of the modern age.” 

     Young intellectuals are inspired through a variety of creative exercises. From four corners, across the room debates, and even guest speakers, club members frequently find new activities to pique their interest.

     “My favorite was speed-dating,” comments Lior Austrian-Jacobs (‘27). Political ideology speed-dating revolves around pairs debating divisive questions designed to spark dialogue, such as: What do you think is the main goal of government? or What’s more important—freedom or equality?

    Oftentimes, members are paired with unlikely partners. Austrian-Jacobs notes, “It was cool to talk to people I otherwise wouldn’t.” 

    Partners are expected and even encouraged to disagree on issues.

    “I love the opportunities the club gives me to practice my debating skills,” adds Eva Berlin-Lustig(‘29).

    Xiangkai Deng (‘28) isn’t afraid of debate either. He explains that this ideological opposition reveals “how easily labels disappear once real conversations begin.”

All are welcome in the Political Ideology Club, pictured above.