Marina C. Santini '98, the current managing editor of Perspective, who spoke in favor of ethnic studies, noted the success of the African American studies department.

"It has had the effect of increasing debate in other disciplines while strengthening it's own department," Santini said.

She also criticized the quality of the current curriculum available to students who are interested in pursuing ethnic studies.

The debate was sponsored by the Ethnic Studies Action Committee, a student organization that aims to convince the Harvard faculty to create an ethnic studies department.

Many audience members said they felt having such a forum with speakers from both sides was very valuable.

"There's very little dialogue between opponents and proponents of ethnic studies, and we don't get to see on what points we actually agree on and disagree on," said Sandy S. Chung '98