There is evidence that in mainstream higher education there is a liberal political bias and certain viewpoints are considered heretical, including viewpoints that would have historically been considered mainstream (such a traditional views on marriage, gender, and sexuality). However, there are a diversity of higher education institutions, including some that respect free speech. It's better to light a candle than curse the darkness, so let's support forums and institutions that support free speech and rational debate rather than making blanket proclamations condemning all of academe.

I don't think it is helpful to name-call and make aggressive emotion-laden statements. Just make your argument.

Yes, there is a place for online debates in academia. Debates are a great way to stimulate critical thinking and to allow students (and faculty) to better see both sides of an argument.

However, if I were using this as a teaching tool in a class, I would be sure to set up ground rules and keep the debate within the members of my class. Perhaps after the students had some experience, they could venture out into public debates now being able to better evaluate the arguments (or lack thereof) that they encounter.