Most people know that the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, but tomorrow, Fresno State will commemorate the anniversary of another legendary American document—the Constitution.
Constitution Day is an educational program that is intended to educate Americans about the signing of the Constitution.
Jeff Cummins, political science professor, and Orry Hamilton, president of the Political Science Association, are coordinating the event.
“The average person on the street doesn’t know about the most important document over the last 200 years,â€Â Cummins said. “The reason we do it is Congress requires that all federally funded educational institutions recognize the signing of the Constitution.â€Â
Constitution Day is a free event that is going to be celebrated with two panel discussions today at the Satellite Student Union. Pocket Constitutions will be distributed to students. Voter registration will also be available.
“The goal is to have a non-partisan approach,â€Â Hamilton said. “We want to have a moderate view to educate students from all majors.â€Â
The first discussion on presidential candidates will go from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Panelists in the first discussion include Cummins, Fresno Bee reporter John Ellis and others.
“In the first panel discussion, each panelist will talk about a different aspect of the presidential race,â€Â Cummins said.
According to Hamilton, the second panel will have the same format.
Cummins will discuss domestic economy issues that relate to the election. John Ellis will discuss what role the media play in the election. Sally Tannenbaum, Ph.D., of the communication department will discuss campaign strategies of the current candidates and Alfred Evans, Ph.D., will discuss foreign policy issues such as those that concern Iraq and Afghanistan.
The second discussion will be about citizenship and illegal immigration. That discussion will run from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Panelists participating in the immigration discussion include Carlos Perez, chair of the Chicano and Latin American studies department; Michael Becker, a professor with the political science department and Kenneth Hansen, also a professor with the political science department.
“Dr. Hansen will discuss human rights, Dr. Perez will discuss the U.S. immigration policy, Becker will discuss the history of illegal immigration and Dr. Keith Clement will talk about border security,â€Â Hamilton said.
Students will have the opportunity to ask questions. After the panel discussions are complete, there will be microphones set up in the audience for a question and answer session.