Campus hails Constitution

By Kristen Hoverman
The Collegian

Sept. 17 marks the anniversary of the initial signing of the United States Constitution. More than 200 years ago, the founding fathers of the United States created a document that laid the framework for a nation.

“It is the founding document for our country,” said Chris Fiorentino, director of civic engineering and service-learning. “In general, people don’t understand their own rights provided by the Constitution. Our rights rest on the Constitution and what it says.”

In an effort to commemorate the U.S. Constitution and inform the Fresno State community, the Division of Student Affairs with assistance from the Office of Civic Engineering and Service-Learning is presenting the first-ever “Constitution Day” today.

“It’s a federal initiative to give a greater understanding of the Constitution,” Fiorentino said. “Constitution Day will help students understand how the Constitution affects their lives every day.”

Fresno State will be hosting several events on campus to inform the campus community about the U.S. Constitution and its relevance today. All students, faculty and staff are invited to participate in these events.

At 10:15 a.m. there will be a special National Public Radio broadcast from the National Archives entitled “Free Speech in the Digital Age.”

“The debate will go over censorship in libraries, of textbooks and on the Internet,” said Renee Delport, special events and projects coordinator. “And it will go over the reasons for safeguarding and limiting speech.”

The program will air in UC 200, which is above Round Table Pizza, and is available to everyone on campus.

“The room will seat 200. We’d love to see it full,” Director of Student Affairs Carolyn Coon said.

The second event will take place at noon in the Peace Garden. University officials, students and faculty will each give a five-minute talk on the importance of Constitution Day.

“I think it will be a good experience for students to learn without being in the classroom,” Coon said. “If they have something to say, they’ll have an opportunity for free speech.”

Throughout the day, students, faculty and staff are invited to register to vote at the Associated Students Information Booth in the Free Speech Area. At the booth students are invited to pick up a free pocket-sized copy of the U.S. Constitution.

“This is a good opportunity for all of us, students and staff, to be reminded of how lucky we are,” Coon said. “Hopefully more awareness will help give students appreciation for what we’re entitled.”