California State University, Fresno, will observe Constitution Day on Monday, Sept. 17, with discussions about the U.S. Constitution, the judiciary, gay rights and urban music.
The events are intended to draw attention to the anniversary of the signing of the Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787, and to educate Americans about democracy. Federal law requires all federally funded educational institutions – elementary school through university level – to hold an educational program on or around Sept. 17 to mark the signing of the document.
“Gay Rights and the Constitution” will be the topic of a panel discussion from 10 to11:30 a.m. in the Satellite Student Union.
Panelists are Political Science Department faculty Dr. Yishaiya Abosch, Dr. David Schecter and Dr. Thomas Holyoke; and Communication Department faculty member Dr. Erin Rand. Moderating will be Dr. Jeff Cummins of the Political Science Department.
From 1 to 3 p.m., the discussion will center on “Urban Music: A Form of Expression or Hate Speech?”
Panelists are Dr. Julius Bailey, Africana and American Indian Studies Program; Dr. Michael Becker, Political Science Department; Dan Payne, member, Fresno County Republican Committee; and Michael Risher, staff attorney, American Civil Liberties Union. Moderating will be Dr. Kenneth Hansen of the Political Science Department.
A community panel discussion sponsored by the League of Women Voters on “Exploring Article III: The Judiciary” will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Alice Peters Auditorium of the University Business Center.
Panelists are James A. Ardaiz, presiding justice, Fifth District Court of Appeals; Hilary A. Chittick, presiding judge, Fresno Superior Court; and Fresno attorney Patience Milrod.
For more information on Constitution Day events at Fresno State, contact Cummins at 559.278.6693.
