Constitution Day to be observed on campus

People are guaranteed certain rights under the Constitution, though many may not know what they are.

To ensure people learn their rights, Congress established Constitution Day a few years ago and on Sept. 18, Fresno State will hold its own events marking the day.

“Given that many people don’t really know that much about the Constitution, it [the event] is needed,” political science professor Ken Hansen said. “Just to be reminded we still have one.”

He said Fresno State had its first Constitution Day last year.

According to Renee Delport, special events and projects coordinator for the Office of Civic Engagement for the Community Service Department, the day is a required one.

“Constitution Day is a federally-mandated event that any school, college or university that receives federal funding has to observe this day,” she said.

According to Simon Haeder, the Associated Students Social Sciences Senator, there will be free food at the day’s events to bring students in.

“Students may just go for the food but we just hope it gets enough people that are interested,” he said.

Haeder said adding food to the events was inspired by California Polytechnical University, San Luis Obispo event “Soup and Substance” events where food is provided during student discussions.

Hansen said he sees a need for this “consciousness-raising event” every day.

“You ever watch Jay Leno [where] he goes on the street asking people about the Constitution or other subjects [and people don’t know anything]?” he said. “It’s kind of like that.”

Hansen said there will be three different activities for the day’s events: a panel discussion about presidential war powers, featuring political science and criminology professors at the Satellite Student Union from 10-11:30 a.m.; a student forum at the Pit from noon to 1 p.m. and a film about judicial powers will be shown in IT 101 from 1:30-3 p.m. with a discussion after the film’s showing.

He said bound copies of the Constitution will also be handed out near the Free Speech Area.

Speakers from on campus clubs will discuss the relationship between church and state.

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