We are delighted to welcome Dr. Yaron Brook as he talks on issues such as inequality, justice and fairness. The talk will occur at 7:30 pm in United College School 5 on Monday 31 March. Entrance is free for all matriculated students of the University of St Andrews.

More about the evening

We’re told that the gap between the poor and the rich has widened. Many decry the “injustice” of income and wealth inequality. But is it actually a problem and are the proposed remedies truly just? What is a fair “distribution” of income and wealth?

Dr. Yaron Brook takes on these and related issues and argues that a genuinely laissez-faire capitalist society is, in fact, the only system of fairness, that is, justice.

Yaron Brook, chairman of the Ayn Rand Institute, hosts The Yaron Brook Show and has co-authored best-selling books including “Free Market Revolution.” and "Equal is Unfair". Born in Israel, he later earned a PhD in finance in the U.S., taught at Santa Clara University, and co-founded BH Equity Research. He's a prominent voice in economic circles and has contributed to major publications like The Wall Street Journal.

The Union Debating Society is hosting an AGM on Thursday 3 April (Week 9) at 7:30 pm sharp.

Order of the evening:

1. Reports of the outgoing committee members

2. Annual Statement of the UDS accounts and finances

3. Valediction of the outgoing Debates Officer

4. Election of relevant committee positions

Run for any of the following 11 elected roles at the AGM.

2.1.1. Debates Officer (President)

• 2.1.1.1. Oversee all aspects of the Union Debating Society and student debates in St Andrews.

• 2.1.1.2. Chair meetings of the collective Debates Board and the Board of Ten or appoint a nominee to do so in their absence.

• 2.1.1.3. Have the casting vote on the Board in the event of a tie.

• Current position holder: Jenny Douce (jrd22)

2.1.4. Clerk to the House

• 2.1.4.1. Keep accurate minutes of UDS meetings, recording all events and decisions in the House and of the Debates Board.

• 2.1.4.2. Ensure minutes are shared with the committee, Association, and University Library, and are available in an accessible online format.

• 2.1.4.3. Along with the Debates Officer, sign minutes upon their approval by the Board, thus forming the only authoritative record of the proceedings of UDS.

• 2.1.4.4. Take responsibility for keeping a record of all handover documents, and ensuring new handover documents are added to this record.

• Current position holder: Lewis O’Neill (lco1)

2.3.1. Chair of Ways and Means (Chair)

• 2.3.1.1. Organise the public events.

• 2.3.1.2. Recruit speakers, with support from the Public Events Board.

• Current position holder: Alex Avramidis (aa370)

2.3.2. Public Debates Secretary

• 2.3.2.1. Support the Chair of Ways and Means in organising public debates and recruiting speakers.

• 2.3.2.2. Maintain alumni relations.

• Current position holder: Birte Burkart (bmgb1)

2.3.3. Serjeant-at-Arms

• 2.3.3.1. Enforce the standing orders and produce order papers.

• 2.3.3.2. Assist with the recruitment of speakers and the organization of public debates.

• 2.3.3.3. Maintain alumni relations.

• Current position holder: Iain McGrigor (im245)

2.1.9. Steward to the House

• 2.1.9.1. Organise all social events, including the annual Gaudeamus Party, Magistrands and the 1794 Ball.

• 2.1.9.2. In charge of the creation and management of the 1794 Ball subcommittee.

• Current position holder: Arielle Friedlander (af297)

2.2.1. Chief Whip (Chair)

• 2.2.1.1. Oversee the competitive and schools-oriented activities of UDS, including training sessions for both casual and competitive purposes.

• Current position holder: Neva Ensminger-Holland (nre1)

2.2.2. Training Officer

• 2.2.2.1. Organise weekly debate training sessions for both beginner and advanced training.

• Current position holder: Owen Goodacre (og32)

2.2.3. Competitions Secretary

• 2.2.3.1. Arrange the representation and participation of UDS in external and internal competitions.

• 2.2.3.2. Act as the point of call for external competition contingents.

• Current position holder: Jack Jillings (jnj1)

2.2.4. Schools Outreach Officer

• 2.2.4.1. Oversee outreach and development of debating at local schools.

• Current position holder: Laurence Dunkley (Id253)

2.2.5. Schools Competition Convenor

• 2.2.5.1. Organise school debating competitions.

• Current position holder: Abbie Lewis (al378)

The following positions are appointed:

• Treasurer

• Media Officer x2

• Diversity and Inclusions Officer

• Competitive Equity Officer

These roles are not decided on the evening of the AGM. Applications will be advertised shortly.