In compliance with a newly implemented law requiring all federally funded schools to honor the U.S. Constitution on Sept. 17 of each year, WSU has scheduled various local events to present students with U.S. Constitution information. The date marks the anniversary of the signing of the Constitution.
The law was inserted into a spending bill last fall by West Virginia Democrat Sen. Robert C. Byrd. The law states that if Sept. 17 falls on a weekend, as it does this year, the holiday may be celebrated the week before.
“I think it’s important for all citizens of the United States to understand the Constitution and know our history,” said Rich Kelley, director of Campus Involvement and a coordinator of WSU’s Constitution and Citizenship Day events. “We believe that our events comply with the spirit of the holiday.”
To observe the holiday, WSU is offering a two-section course on “The American Constitution,” held Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2:50-4:05 p.m., and Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 12:10-1 p.m.
Members of the Associated Students of WSU were to be stationed at the CUB Redwood Bench Tuesday-Thursday, Sept. 13-15 to pass out fun facts about the U.S. Constitution and America’s founding fathers. They also planned an interactive presentation. Additionally, the holiday was to be recognized during ASWSU’s Senate meeting Wednesday, Sept. 14.
WSU Libraries has compiled a Constitution website, providing detailed topic information and links. The site can be accessed at www.wsulibs.wsu.edu/govdoc/news.asp?20050808.
