While Friday afternoon’s Coffee and Conversation began with discussion of stem cells and the Terri Schiavo case, it evolved into a broad debate on the two-party political system in America hosted by Boston University Dean of Students Kenneth Elmore.

The fourth in Elmore’s annual series of public discussions, “Schiavo, Stem Cells and Filibusters … Oh My! Have We Gone Too Far?” was brought on by the recent Schiavo case in Florida about the morality and legality of ending life support for brain-damaged patients, he said.

More than 20 students gathered in the Sherman Gallery to share their opinions about the topic. Many students said they found the discussion to be interesting in the way it transitioned from discussing the Schiavo case to debating the current political system.

College of Arts and Sciences freshman Peter Erhartic said he had not yet found a place at BU where he could discuss political perspectives and found Coffee and Conversations to be a great forum to discuss such viewpoints.

CAS freshman Samantha Elboim, who has attended most of the Coffee and Conversations this year, said the most interesting aspect of Friday’s discussion was “the Federalism argument and if Americans should subscribe to part of the two-party system.”

Elmore said discussion topics are generated by student email or current events.

Because most of the topics relate to political issues, Elmore said the conversations provide “an outlet for political debate.”

Elmore recommended reading newspapers or even watching “The Daily Show” to stay politically involved and informed.

“Read and say your opinion,” he said. “You don’t have to be an expert. Just be mindful of the facts.”