On Constitution Day, you can pick up a copy of the US Constitution at the information table on the 1st floor of Rogers Hall, or from the Student Leadership Center: 158 Jacobs Building. (While supplies last.)
A Brief History of Constitution & Citizenship Day
In 1940, President Franklin D. Roosevelt designated the third Sunday in May as "I Am an American Day." The purpose of the observance was to reaffirm the allegiance of all citizens, both native-born and naturalized, to the principles of American citizenship. He called upon federal, state and local officials, as well as patriotic and civic organizations, to hold exercises designed to impress upon our citizens the privileges of their status in our democracy, and their responsibility for building thi
s nation's security and advancing its welfare. Twelve years later, President Harry S. Truman signed a bill that renamed the holiday Citizenship Day and moved the observance to September 17, the date the Constitution was signed in 1787.
In 2004, Congress passed an amendment that changed the name of the September 17 holiday to Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. The annual event recognizes the creation and signing of the US Constitution and celebrates the freedoms provided for in this landmark document, together with all the privileges and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship for both native-born and naturalized citizens.
This Year’s Celebration
In the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2005, Public Law 108-447, Congress directed that educational institutions receiving federal funding must provide educational programming on the U.S. Constitution September 17th of every year. We invite all members of this University community to join us in making, or renewing, acquaintance with this remarkable document, and reflecting on its historical and contemporary significance.
Constitution of the United States
Voter Registration
Voter registration forms are also available at this table and in the Student Leadership Center (JB 158).
Sponsored by the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs.
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