Constitution Day Events

About Constitution Day 

On September 17, 1787, the delegates to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia signed the United States Constitution. 91ÊÓƵ³ÉÈËÍøÕ¾ began celebrating this important occasion in 2006 as a result of a new federal law designating September 17th of each year as Constitution Day. The law—championed by Senator Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia--requires public schools, universities and governmental entities to offer educational programs to promote a better understanding of our Constitution. 

Constitution Day at 91ÊÓƵ³ÉÈËÍøÕ¾

The William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy is proud to sponsor this annual event, along with the American Democracy Project (ADP) at 91ÊÓƵ³ÉÈËÍøÕ¾, the 91ÊÓƵ³ÉÈËÍøÕ¾ Foundation, the Office of Development and Alumni Relations, and the Office of the Provost. From 2006 - 2022 Professor Emerita of Political Science Linda J. Wharton chaired the inaugural Constitution Day Planning Committee, which includes a dedicated group of faculty and staff. Current members include: 

• Dr. Claire Abernathy (POLS), Co-Chair
• Dr. Tina Zappile (POLS), Co-Chair
• Dr. Lauren DelRossi (DPT)
• Sara Faurot (Director of Alumni Relations)
• Dr. Maya Lewis (SOWK)
• Dr. Sharon Musher (HIST)
• Professor Kerrin Wolf (BUSN)

Previous Constitution Day Speakers:

• Richard Hasen "A Real Right to Vote" (2024)
• Melissa Murray "Dobbs, Democract, and Distrust" (2023)
• Mary Ziegler "Reproductive Autonomy in the aftermath of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization" (2022)
• Lorraine K. Bannai "Anti-Asian Hate: History, Law, Culture, and Coalition-Building" (2021)
• Julie Chi-hye Suk "We the Women: Discovering the ‘Founding Mothers’ of Our Constitution" (2020)
• Joan Biskupic "The Chief: The Life and Power of Chief Justice John Roberts" (2019)
• Adam Winkler "The Strange & Surprising History of the Second Amendment" (2018)
• Julian E. Zelizer "Constitution Democracy in the Era of Donald Trump" (2017)
• Akhil Reed Amar "The Supreme Court & the Constitution: What's at Stake in the 2016 Election" (2016)
• Nina Totenberg (2014)
• Anita Hill (2012)
• Burton Caine (2007)

• Linda Greenhouse; Kevin Cathcart & James Dale (2006)