“Non-Aryans were considered inferior. The Nuremberg Laws promoted racial purity and were meant to protect German citizens.”

“Correct. And because of those laws, some German Jews chose to leave, but many who wanted to escape didn’t have the financial means to do so. Even if they fled to another European country, their safety wasn’t guaranteed. By 1942, Nazi-occupied Europe had already rounded up Jews, forcing them into ghettos and concentrations camps. Genocide was already underway, but at this point, it had barely addressed a Final Solution of the Jewish question. The Wannsee Conference brought various branches of the Nazi government together in order to expedite the destruction of the Jewish people.

“Our debate will reenact this historical event, but you may also incorporate other authentic perspectives appropriate to the position you were assigned. Research the Nuremberg Laws. Though the Nazis’ actions were abhorrent—and I use this word purposefully—it’s important for you to examine their arguments.”

I had been so certain the assignment was a moral test, but after Mr. Bartley’s speech and with Conspiracy ready to be viewed on the screen, my courage to speak up fades. I rack my brain, trying to find some logic in Mr. Bartley’s reasoning. Something I learned in my sociology seminar triggers a thought.

Maybe this assignment is symbolic of how easy it is to persuade us to follow orders?

It’s another theory based on the famous 1961 Yale University Milgram experiment on obedience to authority figures. Milgram’s students willingly inflicted increasing levels of pain on others because their instructor ordered them to. They lost their moral compass. Mr. Bartley isn’t asking us to inflict physical pain, but he is asking us to do something reprehensible—justify systemic hate, racism, and murder. Is he trying to be Milgram?

I look around and decide to keep quiet for now.

“Pay attention to the actors’ body language as well as their words. Get into their mindset.”

Cade’s hand shoots up.

“Mr. Crawford, can your question wait?” Mr. Bartley asks. “I want to get through this today.”

“Is the assignment a test?” Cade blurts out. “I’m wondering if what you’re asking of us—with this debate—if it’s a moral test?”

Mr. Bartley’s startled expression says it all. “I appreciate your question and am happy to discuss this further after class.”

I mouth thank you to Cade. He shrugs.

Mr. Bartley hits play.

Over and over again the actors give the Nazi salute and call out, “Heil Hitler.” Is Mr. Bartley expecting us to do that for the debate?