Constitution Day
As the fundamental law of the land, The Constitution is our most important guide to the obligations and the limitations of government in America. The Reubin O'D. Askew Department of Government hosts a Constitution Day event each year to remind us of those laws to which we give our consent as members of the body politic.
Constitution Day Events 2024
Each year, the Reubin O'D. Askew Department of Government hosts a Constitution Day event on September 17th. This year, we're excited to announce a special collaboration with the Office of Campus Culture and Access. The 2024 Constitution Day celebration is part of an engaging four-event series that delves into the multifaceted nature of free speech. This thought-provoking program promises to offer valuable insights into one of our nation's fundamental rights. Don't miss this opportunity to explore constitutional principles and engage in meaningful discussions about freedom of expression in today's society.
Campus Conversations: ArgosExpress Series Events
Campus Conversations: ArgosExpress is a series of lunchtime workshops exploring the many facets of free speech, from its philosophical foundations to its role in democracy and higher education.
Free Speech 101: Basics
On Tuesday, September 17, (Constitution Day), delve into the foundations of free speech with Free Speech 101: Basics. This session explores the philosophical and foundational principles of free expression, along with different forms of speech. Whether you’re learning these concepts for the first time or refreshing your knowledge, this is a timely discussion ahead of the upcoming general election. Lunch will be provided, and participants will have the chance to engage in thought-provoking discussions that broaden and deepen understanding of free expression.
Free Speech 102: Limits
On October 8, Free Speech 102: Limits will focus on the circumstances in which speech can be constrained by the government. This session addresses important questions about how and when free expression can be limited, which is crucial as we consider the boundaries of our rights in light of current political and social debates.
Free Speech 103: Speech & Democracy
On November 4, join us for Free Speech 103: Speech & Democracy, where we will explore the vital yet complex relationship between free speech and democracy. This session examines how free expression serves as a cornerstone of democratic society, while also addressing the challenges posed by the constant confrontation of diverse opinions on digital platforms. As we approach an historic election, this conversation offers a timely opportunity to reflect on the evolving role of speech in sustaining a healthy democracy.
Free Speech 104: Speech & Academe
Our final session, Free Speech 104: Speech & Academe, takes place on November 21 and explores the unique manifestations of the freedom of expression in the academic environment - academe. From academic freedom to intellectual inquiry and free speech on campus, we'll gain insights into the roles of expression and protest within the university.
Sessions build on each other, but you’re welcome to attend individual sessions as your schedule allows. These events are hosted by the Office of Campus Culture and Access and funded by Pace Symposiums. Events are free and open to the public but space is limited for this series of in-person-only events. Secure your spot today! Register for all events here.
All Events:
Noon to 1 p.m.
Multipurpose Room 215
John C. Pace Library (Building 32)
ADA Statement: Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations is requested to advise UWF by contacting Human Resources at 850.474.2694 or 850.857.6158 (TTY) at least two business days prior to the event. For more information or to submit a request, visit the Public Event Accommodations page or email ada@uwf.edu.
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Constitution Day 2024 -The Constitution and Freedom of Speech
Continuing the University of West Florida's 2024 Constitution Day events, the Reubin O’D. Askew Department of Government hosted Dr. Elizabeth Amato, Associate Professor of Political Science for the Department of Social Science at Gardner Webb University, on Thursday, October 10, 2024 to speak on “The Constitution and Freedom of Speech.”
All UWF faculty, staff, students and alumni were invited. This lecture was also open to the public.
Constitution Day 2023
The 2023 Constitution Day event, September 20, 2023, featured lecturer, Dr. Keith E. Whittington, the William Nelson Cromwell Professor of Politics in the Department of Politics at Princeton University. Dr. Whittington presented, “Is the Electoral College a Constitutional Crisis Waiting to Happen?”
All UWF faculty, staff, students and alumni were invited. This lecture was also open to the public.
Dr. Whittington specializes on topics such as American constitutional history, the intersection of politics and law, and American political thought. He has authored Repugnant Laws: Judicial Review of Acts of Congress from the Founding to the Present and Speak Freely: Why Universities Must Defend Free Speech, among other works. Dr. Whittington is the founding chair of Academic Freedom Alliance and a visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution. He has been a visiting professor at Harvard Law School, Georgetown University Law Center, and the University of Texas School of Law, and he is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He also served on the Presidential Commission on the Supreme Court of the United States.
Constitution Day 2022
Dr. Postell was the featured speaker of the 2022 Constitution Day event. View the lecture, here.
Sept. 12th, The Reubin D. Askew Department of Government welcomed Dr. Joseph Postell, associate professor of politics at Hillsdale College, as he presented "Is Administrative Law Constitutional?" Postell's lecture was the featured event for UWF's 2022 Constitution Day. The lecture was the third in a series of three supported by the Jack Miller Center, which dedicated funding to support statesmenship, constitutionalism and culture.
Dr. Postell's teaches political theory. His research interests focus on understanding the political institutions that determine how politics works in America and the modern administrative state, Congress, and political parties.
Why We Celebrate Constitution Day
As the fundamental law of the land, The Constitution is our most important guide to the obligations and the limitations of government in America. Constitution Day, September 17, is both an opportunity for celebrating our country's unique achievement in crafting a written body of fundamental laws for the people's government and it is also an important reminder of the knowledge necessary for good citizenship. As we know from the Declaration of Independence, the just powers of government are entirely derived from our consent. Constitution Day reminds us of those laws to which we give our consent as members of the body politic. We, here at the University of West Florida, are honored to contribute to the furtherance of a healthy civic life by providing resources to our students for their continuing education in the study of the Constitution.
Constitution of the United States of America
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
For more information on the US Constitution, visit the National Constitution Center.
Past Constitution Day Speakers
- 2022: "Is Administrative Law Constitutional" with Dr. Joseph Postell, Hillsdale College
- 2021: Dr. Richard J. Dougherty, University of Dallas.
- 2020: No campus gathering due to COVID-19
- 2019: CASSH Presentation of "An Evening with Carl Hiaasen" as part of the Seligman First Amendment Lecture Series
- 2018: A Panel Discussion on "The Constitution and American Higher Education Today" with Faculty Members: Dr. Adam Cayton, Dr. Hal White, Dr. Randy Reid, Dr. Richard Hough, and Dr. Jacob Shively
- 2017: "Impressment, Mutiny and the Seafaring Origins of the Federal Courts" presented by:
Dr. Matthew Brogdon, Assistant Professor at the University of Texas San Antonio - 2016: "Liberty as a Lodestar: The Constitution's Commitment to Freedom" presented by:
Dr. Adam Carrington, Assistant Professor at Hillsdale College - 2015: A Panel Discussion of the Constitution with UWF Faculty Members:
Dr. Alfred Cuzán, Dr. James Miklovich, Dr. David Ramsey,
Dr. Jacob Shively, and Dr. Michelle Williams - 2014: A Lecture on the United State's Constitution presented by:
The Honorable Terry D. Terrell, Circuit Judge, First Judicial Circuit State of Florida - 2013: "Gideon v. Wainwright at 50: Fulfilling Gideon's Promise" presented by:
Dr. Teri Fine, Professor at the University of Central Florida - 2012: "Does Thomas Jefferson Still Survive After Reappointment?" presented by:
Dr. Keith Gaddie, Professor at the University of Oklahoma - 2011: "American Exceptionalism: Past, Present, and Past Again" presented by:
Dr. Michael Bailey, Associate Professor at Berry College - 2010: "Tradition and Modernity: The Original Constitution" presented by:
Dr. James R. Stoner, Jr., Professor at Louisiana State University - 2009: "The Founders and the Furnishing of Mind" presented by
Dr. Hadley Arkes, Professor at Amherst College - 2008: "The President and the Constitution in the Age of Terror" presented by:
Dr. Marc Landy, Co-author of Presidential Greatness - 2007: Lecture by Dr. Gordon Lloyd
- 2006: The Original Understanding of the Bill of Rights" presented by:
Dr. Hadley Arkes, Professor at Amherst College