The Young Democrats and College Republicans will host a debate next Tuesday, April 18 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Argentum Room of the Busch Memorial Center.

The debate will cover a number of topics, including foreign policy, crime, welfare, education, campaign finance and taxes and the economy.

After each side presents an opening statement, five members from each organization will participate in the debate. A panel consisting of two professors-one chosen by each organization-and one student will ask three questions about each topic. The two sides will have approximately 10 minutes to debate each topic.

The event is open to the entire Saint Louis University community. Audience members will have 30 minutes during which they may pose questions for both sides. Each side will be allowed one minute to respond.

College Republicans President Mike Benoist said that the event will focus on educating both participants and audience members, making sure that opinions from both sides are presented.

“Students can hear what we think about these issues and what we have to say,” Benoist said.

Todd Stonewater, president of the Young Democrats, agreed that the debate aims to be both educational and good-natured. “The tone of the debate will hopefully be positive,” Stonewater said.

According to the two presidents, both organizations came up with the idea of a debate at roughly the same time.

On the Young Democrats side, Stonewater said, “A few of the members came up with the idea and I told them to go for it . They’re very motivated, and they’re very into it.”

Following the debate, KSLU radio station will host a call-in show on the debate.