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We The People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessing of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this, Constitution for the United States of America. Preamble to the U.S. Constitution
We The People of Wesleyan University observed Constitution Day with a series of events Sept. 15-16.
Wesleyans observance is part of a nation-wide observance the U.S. Department of Education has mandated for all educational programs in all federally funded institutions. President George W. Bush signed into law on Dec. 8, 2004, Public Law 108-447, which established Sept.17th as Constitution Day. Wesleyan will celebrate it on Sept. 15-16.
Barbara Jones, university librarian, coordinated the events (see sidebar).
Libraries, Jones says, are under a great deal of pressure in regard to protecting the constitutional rights of library users.
The Wesleyan University Library is dedicated to providing its users access to information expressing a variety of points of view, including those views that some of us might find despicable, she says. We are also dedicated to protecting the privacy of library users, so that in their search for knowledge, nobody is looking over their shoulder.
Along with the events at Wesleyan, General Tommy Franks lead the U.S. Constitutions Preamble at 2 p.m. Sept. 16 on radio, television and via www.constitutionday.com. The celebration ended with bells ringing across America led from the Carillon on the grounds of the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, Penn. where George Washington fought the Revolutionary War.
By Olivia Drake, The Wesleyan Connection editor
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Honor the Day
Wesleyan honored Constitution Day Sept. 15-16 with a series of events.
Thursday, Sept. 15
Noon – Discussion by Paul Finkelman, professor of law at the University of Tulsa held an informal discussion with Wesleyan’s new Pre-Law Society. Kim Kubat, assistant director of the Career Resource Center organized the event. Olin Librarys Develin Room.
1 p.m. – Neely Bruce, professor of music, performed Bill of Rights followed by an announcement of the formation of Wesleyan’s new Pre-Law Society. Olin Library Lobby.
4 p.m. – Discussion on the Separation of Church and State by Paul Finkelman, professor of Law at University of Tulsa. Modest reception followed. Olin Librarys Smith Reading Room.
Friday, Sept. 16
Noon – Neely Bruce performed Bill of Rights with more than two dozen singers. Memorial Chapel. This is the first of the new Friday lunch-time concert series co-sponsored by the Music Department and the Center for the Arts.
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Olivia Drake
Mike Mavredakis
Jeff Harder