TDCJ News
Debating Behind the Walls
March 10, 2025
On February 28, 2025, the Lee College debate team, comprised of incarcerated students and Lone Star College Cy-Fair’s student debaters, met at the podium of the Huntsville Unit chapel for the fifth annual George Beto Debate Invitational.
This unique event brought together students from vastly different backgrounds, all eager to engage in meaningful discourse. Allison Barrera, a debater from Lone Star College, expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunity.
“I think this is an eye-opening experience that not many people get to have,” Barrera said. “I am excited for the opportunity to speak with people who may not have lived the same life as me, but we are still able to come together and learn through this debate.”
Donovan Jones, a member of the Lee College debate team, reflected on the significance of the event.
“I was a part of the debate last year, and at first, I thought it was about me and what I can do here, but through that experience and furthering my education I started to see that these young students are also learning in this process, and I get to be a part of their education,” Jones said. “It means a lot.”
The competition was fierce, with both teams showcasing their skills in front of a panel of five judges. The respect for each team’s dedication and knowledge was evident throughout the event.
“It was exciting and rewarding as a professor because when my student debaters were able to interact with the Lee College debate team outside of debating with each other, they were collaborating as if they were students in my own classroom discussing various academic topics and experiences,” noted Dr. Heidi Green, LSC Cy-Fair professor and coach.
Lance Burress, a debater from Lee College, took a moment during his final speech to acknowledge his opponents, stating, “I would like to thank our opponents for your courage to come here and participate in this debate.” Ultimately, the Lee College debate team emerged victorious, winning in each topic section.
Events like this are integral in supporting the Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s mission of public safety and the successful reintegration of inmates into the community.
“It is very important to know that programs like these are life changing. They give us real-world opportunities to use the skills that we are learning through the debate class,” said a Lee College debate team member.
“As an agency, we are here to provide public safety, and this debate team is even leading back to a safer public,” said Huntsville Unit Warden Kelly Strong. “This is just a small part of our goal to empower these individuals to reach the capabilities and potential they didn’t know they had and enable them to contribute better to society upon their release.”
