By Brent Lyday
Commerce – Texas A&M University-Commerce will celebrate Constitution Day on Monday, Sept. 20, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Sam Rayburn Student Center Innovations A&B. The focus of this year's event will be the definition of citizenship, and will draw attention to the founding document and its continued relevance.
"Constitution Day is an opportunity for the university community to experience discussion and debate about the meaning of our founding document," said Dr. Ricky Dobbs, A&M-Commerce University College dean. "This year's topic is particularly timely because of the attention focused on the issue of immigration, and allows us to see once again the fluid and changing nature of our nation's Constitution."
Dr. Charles Elliot, A&M-Commerce political science emeritus professor, and Dr. Rick McCaslin, University of North Texas history department head and professor, will serve as guest speakers. Dr. Elliot will discuss the issue of birthright citizenship and the Fourteenth Amendment. Dr. McCaslin will present on the reconstruction origins of the amendment with particular attention to the situation facing freed slaves in Texas.
Constitution Day is a joint project between the A&M-Commerce history department, political science department and University College. All interested are encouraged to attend. Refreshments will be served.