Texas High School’s “Issues Day” Takes on Human Genetic Engineering
Posted by Jessica Cussins March 26, 2014
Biopolitical Times
On March 20, I participated in Saint Mary’s Hall high school’s annual Issues Day in San Antonio, Texas. The topic this year, chosen by a committee of the junior class, was Genetic Engineering: Conscious Evolution or Immoral Technology? (See the program here.)
The other speakers were Daniel Eichner, Executive Director of the Sports Medicine Research & Testing Laboratory; Ron Epstein, Professor Emeritus of Dharma Realm Buddhist University; Doug Frantz, Associate Professor of Chemistry at The University of Texas at San Antonio; Linda MacDonald Glenn, Assistant Professor at the Center for Biomedical Ethics Education and Research, Albany Medical College; and Jeffrey Steinberg, Director at The Fertility Institutes.
Each of the speakers came to the question from a different perspective, which provided for fascinating presentations and a rich, passionate debate during the “crossfire” that followed. Students tweeted their questions to a shared Twitter wall and David Henderson, Chief of the DWI Task Force at the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office, moderated the lively discussion.
The students who chose the topic of human genetic engineering for the event recognized the importance of grappling with this question now, as new technologies and potential changes in policies around the world could make a procedure that constitutes human germline modification a reality this year.
I was happy to participate in the event and have the opportunity to discuss these important issues with so many bright young people. Photos of the event will be available soon; join CGS on Facebook to view them when they do.
Previously on Biopolitical Times:
The other speakers were Daniel Eichner, Executive Director of the Sports Medicine Research & Testing Laboratory; Ron Epstein, Professor Emeritus of Dharma Realm Buddhist University; Doug Frantz, Associate Professor of Chemistry at The University of Texas at San Antonio; Linda MacDonald Glenn, Assistant Professor at the Center for Biomedical Ethics Education and Research, Albany Medical College; and Jeffrey Steinberg, Director at The Fertility Institutes.
Each of the speakers came to the question from a different perspective, which provided for fascinating presentations and a rich, passionate debate during the “crossfire” that followed. Students tweeted their questions to a shared Twitter wall and David Henderson, Chief of the DWI Task Force at the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office, moderated the lively discussion.
The students who chose the topic of human genetic engineering for the event recognized the importance of grappling with this question now, as new technologies and potential changes in policies around the world could make a procedure that constitutes human germline modification a reality this year.
I was happy to participate in the event and have the opportunity to discuss these important issues with so many bright young people. Photos of the event will be available soon; join CGS on Facebook to view them when they do.
Previously on Biopolitical Times: