Students and organizations at UT will come together on September 17 to celebrate one of the foundations of American politics: the Constitution.
Constitution Day commemorates the signing and adoption of the US Constitution on September 17, 1787.
The Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy is sponsoring the celebration, which will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Pedestrian Walkway.
Students can sign a copy of the constitution and learn more about its history and content. The Baker Center also will be showing documentaries and providing information about contemporary political issues.
Students and others are also invited to participate in SpeakoUT. The Baker Center will have a microphone and a public address system set up on the walkway so interested students can share their opinions and ideas with those in the vicinity. SpeakoUT will be moderated by a volunteer from the Baker Center.
Students also can register to vote at tables set up on the walkway. To register, bring personal information, including proof of your local address and your Social Security number.
Constitution Day will conclude with a celebration at the Baker Center, where winners of the center’s essay contest will be announced. The festivities begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Toyota Auditorium. There also will be refreshments, trivia, door prizes, and a guest speaker. The event is free and open to the public.
Constitution Day was recognized by Congress as an official holiday in 2004. It has been unofficially celebrated since 1911.
For more information about these events and the Baker Center, visit the website.
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C O N T A C T :
Nissa Dahlin-Brown (865-974-8681, nissa@utk.edu)