Founding Father Joins ACC Students for Annual Constitution Day Debate

Wednesday, September 22, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. | Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd.

ACC Constitution Debate Day Celebration PosterTo commemorate the 223rd birthday of the U.S. Constitution, Benjamin Franklin himself will give the keynote address at ACC’s Constitution Debate Day Celebration. The event will be from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 22, at the Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd. | Get event flier & map (PDF)

The fourth annual celebration invites ACC students to examine their knowledge and beliefs about the U.S. Constitution and to reflect on the state of their rights in today’s politically charged climate. The evening’s program will include a faculty-led discussion/debate between students and experts on constitutional issues.

“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 which is hosting the event.

Co-hosts are the City of Austin, with honorary Chairman Mayor Pro Tem Mike Martinez, the ACC Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences and the ACC Center for Student Political Studies. Co-sponsors include the ACLU Foundation of Texas, the American Board of Trial Advocates, Texas Campus Compact, and the ACC Student Government Association. The public is invited.

“Whereas other documents often lose their significance with time, this living, breathing entity’s influence only grows with time and democratic participation,” Young says.

ACC student Mike Reid says the event’s group discussions last year opened his eyes to how passionate ACC students are about democracy.

“Old, young, shy, outgoing – everyone talked,” recalls Reid. “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.”

Visit the ACC Center for Public Policy and Political Studies website at austincc.edu/cppps or call (512) 223.7049 for more information.

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