Purdue campus teaches, tests knowledge of the U.S. Constitution

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The U.S. Constitution is the center of an annual learning event by Purdue University's College of Education.

Constitution Day, coordinated by the James F. Ackerman Center for Democratic Citizenship, runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday (Sept. 19) in Room 118 and The Great Hall of the Purdue Memorial Union.

"The Ackerman Center embraces this opportunity to encourage citizens in our community to reflect on and learn more about the Constitution," said Phillip J. VanFossen, center director.

Jeopardy-style quiz competitions, as well as booths and exhibits, will offer information about the Constitution.

Activities begin at 10:30 a.m. with an ROTC QuizOff, followed by a Student QuizOff at 11:30 a.m. A local celebrity QuizOff happens at 12:30 p.m. and includes state Rep. Sheila Klinker, West Lafayette Mayor John Dennis, Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski, WLFI managing news editor Jeff Smith and other local leaders.

Also at Constitution Day:

* The League of Women Voters will provide voter registration with expert help available for students to find out where they are eligible to vote and how to get absentee ballots if necessary. 

* The local Gen. Marquis de Lafayette Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will have an exhibit of local historical artifacts related to Constitution Week.

* The local chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union will have a display on its work to support protection of civil liberties.

* Purdue University Libraries will have a display on banned books.

* The Ackerman Center will present interactive games and give away T-shirts and balls signed by Purdue coaches.

* The local Regent of the Daughters of the American Revolution will present a recognition award for Constitution Day to VanFossen.

* A youth opinion poll uses the same questions from polls in the 1950s and 1980s to compare modern college students' opinions about constitutional rights with those of their predecessors.

Constitution Day is sponsored by the university offices of the president and vice president of Student Services, Purdue Student Government and the Student Union Board.

Congress passed a provision in 2004 declaring Constitution Day. All federally funded schools are asked to develop educational programs to celebrate the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787.

About the College of Education

Purdue's College of Education meets the challenges of educating 21st century learners by discovering what works in education. The college prepares highly qualified educators and conducts research that informs how teachers teach and students learn. With a focus on integrated P-12 STEM education and a commitment to social justice and diversity, graduates are prepared to be leaders in education, business and society.  

Writer: Brian L. Huchel, 765-494-2084, bhuchel@purdue.edu

Source: Kristyn Childres, 765-494-0568, kristyn@purdue.edu