ACC Students Debate Rights in Honor of Constitution Day

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. Hundreds of ACC students explored the Constitution’s impact on 21st century America at the college’s third annual Constitution Debate Day Celebration, held at the LBJ Presidential Library and Museum.

The September 23 event, presented in concert with LBJ Library, gave students an opportunity to debate and discuss Constitutional issues with fellow students as well as experts.

“It is critical that our future leaders understand the Constitution, cherish the rights it provides, and debate its importance,” said Tina Houston, LBJ Library and Museum interim director. “President and Mrs. Johnson would be proud of this debate about civic involvement.”

The event included 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,” said 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 broke into groups to deliberate various constitutional issues. Participants were presented with a number of scenarios, involving topics such as Second Amendment Rights and the Patriot Act, and then debated the constitutionality of those scenarios. 

“This was truly a remarkable event,” said ACC student Patrick Whalen. “I encourage those who missed it this year to attend the 2010 event. These were some very serious issues facing us as a country, and it is important to know where you stand. It was a warm and welcome place to share ideas honestly and openly without fear of ridicule or remorse.”

The event helped students understand how 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 annual Constitution Debate Day event is sponsored by ACC’s Center for Public Policy & Political Studies and ACC Social and Behavioral Sciences Division.

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