On September 17, 1787, the delegates to the U.S. Constitutional Convention signed the document that serves as the foundation of our democracy. Two hundred twenty-two years later, the Constitution continues to guide the United States, often on issues the Founding Fathers may never have imagined. ACC invites students to explore the Constitution’s impact on 21st century America at the college’s third annual Constitution Debate Day Celebration.

The event, presented in concert with the LBJ Presidential Library and Museum, gives students an opportunity to debate and discuss Constitutional issues with fellow students as well as experts.

“The LBJ Library and Museum is honored to co-sponsor this celebration of the Constitution with Austin Community College,” says Tina Houston, LBJ Library and Museum interim director. “It is critical that our future leaders understand the Constitution, cherish the rights it provides, and debate its importance. President and Mrs. Johnson would be proud of this debate about civic involvement.”

The event will include a keynote address by Dr. Norma Cantú, a visiting professor of law at the University of Texas at Austin and former Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights in the Clinton administration’s Department of Education.

“Constitution Day provides students with powerful tools for exercising their civil rights muscles,” says Dr. Cantú. “When students vigorously examine the Constitution, the students’ understanding of the relationship between civil rights and responsibilities grows stronger.”

After Dr. Cantú’s address, students will break into groups to deliberate various constitutional issues. Hundreds of students are expected to attend.

ACC student Shea Warton took part last year and said the group discussions opened her eyes to how passionate ACC students are about our democracy.

“Old, young, shy, outgoing – everyone talked,” recalls Warton. “At the end of the day, everyone felt closer. Not everyone agreed, but we respected each other. And I think we all became a little bit more comfortable with our own voices as well.”

The event helps students understand the Constitution is relevant to their everyday lives.

“The Constitution is one of the most important documents in our history as well as in modern politics,” says Peck Young, director of the ACC Center for Public Policy and Political Studies. “Whereas other documents often lose their significance with time, this living, breathing entity’s influence only grows with time and democratic participation.”

The Constitution Debate Day Celebration will be Wednesday, September 23, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the LBJ Auditorium, 2313 Red River St., on the UT campus. The event is sponsored by ACC’s Center for Public Policy & Political Studies and ACC Social and Behavioral Sciences Division.