In 2004, Senator Robert Byrd (D-WV) sponsored legislation that designated September 17 as "Constitution Day." September 17 is the anniversary of the signing of the United States Constitution in 1787. All educational institutions that receive federal funding are expected to observe Constitution Day in some way. Since 2005, when Constitution Day was first observed, Winthrop University has hosted speeches by prominent scholars such as Harold Jaffe of Claremont Colleges and Dr. Timothy Boylan of Winthrop University, and through special library displays commemorating some aspect of the Constitution.
Beginning in 2009, the West Forum assumed responsibility for Winthrop University's commemoration of Constitution Day. To view previous event information, please visit the Constitution Day Archive page.
The West Forum has sponsored the following Constitution Day commemorative events:
Facial Recognition Technology and the Limits of the Consitution
Speakers Candace Carroll and Frank Knaack will discuss facial recognition technology and how it ties in to our Constitutional rights. This year, Constitution Day is also Voter Registration Day. Winthrop has partnered with TurboVote to help engage citizens in local elections and assisting in voter registration. More information can be found on the TurboVote website.
The Centennial of Women's Suffrage and the Constitution: Constitution Day Speaker and First Event in the Centennial of Women's Suffrage Event Series
Dr. Brandon Ranallo-Benavidez gave a lecture about the history of women's suffrage in relation to the Constitution.
**In addition, The 2020 West Forum Constitution Day initiative will be an online voter registration campaign with out student Voting Ambassadors.
The Constitution, Redistricting, and Gerrymandering
Dr. John Holder gave a lecture on the role of the Constitution in redistricting. He
discussed the Constitutional nature of redistricting, along with recent court decisions
related to the topic.
