Events to Commemmorate U.S. Constitution Day

Fairmont State University will celebrate the 225th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution with several events during the week of Sept. 17.

A panel discussion titled “Freedom of Speech in the 2012 Election,” sponsored by the Political Science Association, will take place in Hardway Hall Room 128 from noon to 12:50 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 17.       

The celebration will continue with an event sponsored by Alpha Phi Sigma, the National Criminal Justice Honor Society, on Tuesday, Sept. 18. A public reading of the Constitution will be held on the lawn in front of the Falcon Center. A replica of the Constitution will be available for students, faculty and staff to sign.

Dr. Deanna Shields, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, is asking for volunteers to read a portion of the Constitution during the marathon reading. She explained that the Constitution contains around 4,500 words, which takes a little over an hour to read. At the reading, everyone will receive a stars and stripes lanyard and a “Pocket Constitution” containing many interesting facts about the Constitution. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be held in the Falcon Center third floor conference rooms 2 and 3.

Shields encourages students, staff and the community to take part in the celebration.

“It’s important for people to participate in our democratic process to truly make it work well. It’s important for all citizens to learn more about our Democratic Republic,” she said.

Shields encourages anyone who wants to learn more about the history of the Constitution to visit this web site: http://constitutioncenter.org/constitution-day.

Those who would like to sign up to read part of the Constitution or have questions about the events should contact Shields at (304) 367- 4161.

Constitution DayAlpha Phi SigmaCollege of Liberal ArtsDeanna ShieldsPolitical Science Association