Bad Arguments

[shaft]

The newest bad argument

Against

We don't need a new stadium, we don't even belong in D1

1. That sounds like a bit of an over-reaction to this weekend's game.

2. The vote is about replacing Fouts. Fouts will have the same structural problems regardless of what conference or division we play in.

3. See the above argument about on-field performance as the standard for a new stadium.

[shaft]

Newest bad argument

Against

UNT is a not a football school/keep Denton weird.

1. I don't know what that means. Is this like "gotcha" journalism? UNT has always had a football team. D1 for over twelve years. No one says football is the defining characteristic of this university. Football isn't the defining characteristic on any school. Universities are a diverse collection of different academic disciplines.

2. A new stadium doesn't trade off with any other program. We can have a great school of music and a nice stadium.

For

The students just don't understand how important this issue is/Your gonna miss this.

1. Several alumni seem to be struggling with their role in a "student" vote. It's real simple, the alumni need to make donations to pay for their half of the stadium, the students will vote to pay for their half with fees once the stadium is built.

2. The debate must be framed in a way that shows value to the students. Simply dismissing students concerns with "you don't understand" is more a sign that you haven't done a good job of explaining the issues.

3. This paternalistic attitude is more likely to generate opposition to the project.