Star Tribune and MN Urban Debate League Sponsor Criminal Justice Reform Essay, Video, and Audio Contest

submitted by chavezm@augsburg.edu

The killing of George Floyd and the unrest that followed have created a long-delayed but urgently needed discussion on police brutality, inequities in the criminal justice system and racial injustice more broadly.

The Minnesota Urban Debate League and Star Tribune Opinion believe in the power of young minds and voices. We want the best ideas of students between the ages of 10 and 18 about how our communities can continue the hard work of responding to these crucial challenges.The task is to create an original written essay, video or audio file which describes one or two specific changes our community, state or nation should make to reduce racial inequities and injustices in the criminal justice system.Top submissions as determined by a group of judges from the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota will be published in the Star Tribune and shared with leaders across our state and nation

The submission should be entirely created by students, although others may teach new skills, such as operating a camera, microphone or computer software. Submissions must come from young people between the ages of 10 and 18, using their age as of Dec. 31, 2020. You may also submit a group project with up to six friends (seven people total).
Written essays must be no more than 700 words, typed, double-spaced and in 12-point font. Video and audio submissions should be no longer than two minutes and must be submitted in a file format that can be uploaded to YouTube. Any materials from other people (research, writing, video or audio clips, etc.) must be given credit either in the submission or in an additional text document not more than 50 words long.

How Students Can Enter:

Questions can be sent to essaysubmissions@startribune.com. To enter, students should fill out the form below and submit your essay, video or audio file by Aug. 16. This is their chance to be passionate, be creative, and use their own personal experiences as evidence to argue for change in our community.

Star Tribune Sign Up Link