Celebrate the United States 'Living' Constitution on Constitution Day

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Pearl K. Dowe, assistant professor of political science.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Constitution Day, also known as Citizenship Day, is observed each year to honor the 39 delegates to the Constitutional Convention who signed the United States Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787, and to "recognize all who, by coming of age or by naturalization, have become citizens." The University of Arkansas will observe the holiday with a special program at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18, in Ozark Hall, room 26.

Pearl K. Dowe, assistant professor of political science in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, will lead an exploration of the role of a "living" constitution and how expanding individual rights can conflict with the nation's political and social identity.

"The interpretation of the Constitution has been used to restrict and expand civil rights for minority and politically disenfranchised groups," said Dowe. "In light of recent Supreme Court decisions it appears that there is a conflict with the experiences of minorities and the role of the Constitution to protect their rights. Constitution Day is the perfect time to explore how we arrived at this point as well as potential future implications."

Constitution Day became an official holiday in 2004 when then Sen. Robert Byrd prompted Congress to formally recognize "Constitution Day and Citizenship Day." Louisville, Ky., was the first city in the United States to celebrate Citizenship Day on Sept. 17, 1952.