From a Washington Post column by Henry Olsen headlined “I found hope for democracy in an unexpected place”:

If, like me, you are worried about political polarization and what it is doing to our country, I invite you to consider Arizona’s Regents’ Cup. It might just offer you a ray of hope for our democracy.

I recently participated as a moderator and judge at the event. Sponsored by the Arizona Board of Regents, the Cup is a competition for students enrolled at one of the state’s three large public universities. Students debate or orate about controversial topics surrounding free speech and the Constitution. The winners receive $15,000 scholarships, roughly the cost of a year’s tuition for in-state students.