Open Debate Society (ODS) advocates for academic freedom and the right to freedom of expression for ARU students.
Our Aims and Activities
We engage our members in weekly open forum discussions, addressing a wide range of topics that are important to academic freedom, free speech and wider society.
As a non-partisan society, we encourage members to learn how to effectively advocate for their views, while also developing tolerance and resilience when faced with opposing perspectives. At ODS, we believe that even if one disagrees with what another person says, one should still defend their right to say it.
Our weekly meetings take the form of open forum discussions, with the topic announced in advance. These sessions provide a relaxed environment where members can express their views, challenge different perspectives and engage in constructive discussion. Topics cover a broad range of political, ethical, legal, social, cultural and academic issues.
Alongside our regular open forums, we organise a variety of special events, including structured debates, guest speaker sessions, cross-society collaborations, workshops, panel discussions and social events. These events provide opportunities to explore particular topics in greater depth, hear from external speakers, collaborate with other ARU societies and engage with students beyond our regular membership.
We also encourage members to attend external events and conferences, providing opportunities to observe academics and public figures debate important issues and to network with others who share an interest in academic freedom and open debate.
Previous Events and Activities
Throughout the 2025/26 academic year, ODS hosted a wide variety of debates, special events, social activities and external engagements, including:
Surrounded – 1 Pro-Israel Speaker vs 10 Pro-Palestinian Members
23 March 2026
Inspired by Jubilee’s Surrounded, one speaker takes the hot seat and faces ten challengers, creating a fast-paced discussion in which competing perspectives are put directly to the test.
Christmas Social – Christmas in Cambridge at Parker’s Piece
5 December 2025
Members enjoy Cambridge’s popular winter wonderland at Parker’s Piece, featuring an open-air ice rink, festive Christmas market, tree maze, big wheel, rides and alpine lodges.
Christmas-Themed Debate – Is it ever morally acceptable to lie to children?
4 December 2025
From Santa Claus to so-called “white lies” and protecting children from harm, we explore whether deception supports or undermines children’s trust and development, and where the moral boundaries should be drawn.
Debate – Should the UK keep its monarchy?
27 November 2025
We discuss whether the monarchy remains a meaningful part of Britain’s identity or represents an outdated institution in a modern democracy.
Debate – Should parents be allowed to refuse medical treatment for their child?
20 November 2025
We explore the balance between parental rights and the welfare of the child, including when, if ever, authorities should intervene to protect a child’s health.
Special Guest Event – The Art of Debate: British Parliamentary Style with Barrister Anne Hogarth
14 November 2025
We take part in an interactive workshop on British Parliamentary debating, exploring the format, speaker roles and techniques for constructing persuasive arguments.
Debate – War: Defence or Disaster?
7 November 2025
We discuss whether war can ever be justified as a means of defence, or whether it inevitably causes destruction and disaster.
Halloween Social – Dinner and Drinks at Wetherspoon
30 October 2025
Following our Halloween debate, members head to a nearby pub for food and drinks, providing an opportunity to continue the evening’s discussions in a more informal setting.
Halloween-Themed Debate – Is the paranormal real?
30 October 2025
We explore ghosts, psychic powers and other unexplained phenomena in a spirited Halloween debate. Costumes are encouraged!
Volunteering at the Battle of Ideas Festival 2025
18–19 October 2025
Members attend and volunteer at the Battle of Ideas Festival, observing a range of fascinating debates while speaking to students, academics and members of the public about ODS’s mission to defend academic freedom and promote open debate in higher education.
Debate – Does the right to choose override the right to life?
23 October 2025
We explore the ethical, legal and human rights principles underpinning both sides of this contentious debate.
Debate – Should assisted dying be legalised in the UK?
16 October 2025
We discuss whether assisted dying should be legalised in the UK, including whether the proposed Assisted Dying Bill should pass in light of ongoing safety, legal and ethical concerns.
Debate – Should the UK rejoin the EU?
9 October 2025
We debate whether the UK should seek to reverse Brexit and rejoin the European Union, or move further away from European institutions by leaving the European Convention on Human Rights.
Debate – Is free speech under threat in the UK and US?
2 October 2025
We explore contemporary challenges to freedom of expression in the UK and US, considering current controversies and the balance between protecting free speech and regulating harmful or unlawful expression.
Where to Find Us:
LinkedIn - Open Debate Society
Instagram - open_debate_society
Join us at ODS if you are passionate about free speech and academic freedom and would like to develop your debating and public speaking skills!