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June 9, 2016
Should For-Profit Colleges Benefit From the G.I. Bill?
G.I. Bill money doesn't count against for-profit colleges' cap on federal funding. Veterans groups say many charge a lot but provide little.
Recent Discussions
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June 8, 2016
A Judge and an Unpopular Sentence
Is recall from the bench appropriate for the light sentence in the Stanford rape case?
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June 7, 2016
What Does Appropriate Office Dress Mean in 2016?
Official dress codes have become much more relaxed in recent years. How does that change what professionals wear?
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June 6, 2016
Do Dramas About Slavery Stifle Tales of Black Lives Now?
Does Hollywood's focus on historic injustices against African-Americans let it avoid dealing with the problems of today?
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June 2, 2016
$100 Million to Change the World
Can enough money "solve" a social problem?
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June 1, 2016
Should Students Lead Parent-Teacher Conferences?
These formal meetings are increasingly being led by the student. Is that an improvement?
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May 31, 2016
Should Guns Be Permitted on College Campuses?
Supporters say guns makes campuses safer. Opponents question the effect guns have on public safety and academic freedom.
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May 27, 2016
The Ethics of Investing in Another’s Lawsuit
Should third parties be allowed to invest in litigation, or does that unduly influence the outcome?
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May 26, 2016
Should Overcrowded National Parks Have Restricted Access?
Tourism is degrading popular natural sites with increased crowds, pollution and conflicts between humans and wildlife.
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May 25, 2016
Does the Airline Industry Need to Be Regulated Again?
Competition has shrunk, along with seating. Fees have risen, fares stay high and service is a problem. Should the government take action?
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May 24, 2016
If Catholic Women Could Be Deacons
Pope Francis says he will set up a commission to study whether women should serve as ordained ministers assisting the bishop and …
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May 23, 2016
Can Citizens Sue Over Climate Change?
Their arguments are often unconventional, but some suits brought by youth advocates are making progress.
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May 19, 2016
A Challenge in the Philippines
How should the United States deal with President-elect Rodrigo Duterte, given questions about his human rights record and foreign policy?
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May 18, 2016
Is a Deadlocked Supreme Court Such a Bad Thing?
Could the court's ideological deadlock actually lead to greater collegiality and more compromise?
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May 17, 2016
Is Facebook Saving Journalism or Ruining It?
Is the company providing a broader platform for news, or is it too controlling of people's access to it?
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May 16, 2016
Should Brazil Postpone the Olympics?
The country is in the midst of a political and economic crisis, not to mention a Zika outbreak, and the Summer Games …
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May 12, 2016
Is Tyranny Around the Corner?
Are Americans tired of democracy's failings and looking for an autocrat to take charge, or just yearning for more democracy?
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May 11, 2016
How Much Help From the G.O.P. Does Trump Need?
Many Republicans are still wary or opposed to Donald Trump’s candidacy. But he needs their money and organizational support.
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May 10, 2016
Will Regulating E-Cigarettes Mean Fewer Will Quit Smoking?
The British approve of electronic cigarettes. The U.S. doesn't. How will the F.D.A.'s decision affect anti-smoking efforts?
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May 9, 2016
Getting the Mentally Ill Out of Jail and Off the Streets
What form of treatment works? Should asylums be reopened?
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May 5, 2016
Should Opioid Training for Doctors Be Mandatory?
The American Medical Association says no, but could it help stem the rise of overdose deaths involving prescription drugs?
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May 4, 2016
Troubling Trademarks
By registering a name that is offensive, would officials be approving a slur or doing their job to promote fair commerce?
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May 3, 2016
What’s Holding Back Renewable Energy?
The use of green resources has grown but recent bankruptcies in the industry raise questions about the future.
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May 2, 2016
How to Stop Drivers From Texting
Despite efforts to combat distractions behind the wheel, they remain a problem. What's the solution?
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April 28, 2016
Is Google a Harmful Monopoly?
European regulators say the company's Android phone blocks rival services.
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April 26, 2016
Let’s Make a Deal?
The potential Cruz-Kasich partnership has been called a measure of last resort and a breakthrough. Would it be good for Republicans?
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April 26, 2016
Is Marijuana a Gateway Drug?
Does using marijuana lead to the use of more dangerous drugs, making it too dangerous to legalize?
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April 22, 2016
Should Felons Ever Be Allowed to Vote?
Laws disenfranchising felons in several states have had a disproportionate effect on African-Americans.
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April 20, 2016
Should Bernie Sanders Call It Quits?
With the odds of his moving past Clinton in the delegate race growing longer, should Sanders drop out to avoid dividing the …
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April 18, 2016
A House-Cleaning or a Coup?
Is Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff's impeachment a crackdown on corruption or a takeover by influential conservatives?
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April 18, 2016
Have Comment Sections Failed?
In recent years, many media companies have disabled them because of widespread abuse and obscenity.
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In Room for Debate, The Times invites knowledgeable outside contributors to discuss news events and other timely issues. Reader comments are moderated Monday through Friday.
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