Purdue event 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 2 p.m. Monday (Sept. 18) 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.

A local celebrity Jeopardy-style 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, Journal & Courier columnist Dave Bangert and other local leaders.

Leaders will test their knowledge of the Constitution against their peers. College of Education ambassadors will challenge Purdue ROTC in a QuizOff at 11:30 a.m. Booths and exhibits throughout the day will offer information about the Constitution, and snacks will be available.

Also at Constitution Day:

* 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, as well as tickets to an upcoming Purdue Convocations show.

* 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.

In addition to the on-campus event, the Ackerman Center also supports Constitution Day activities in local K-12 schools by providing resourced for teachers at https://www.education.purdue.edu/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/constitution-day-resources.pdf.

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.

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. 

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

Sources: Tonya Agnew, 765-494-0568, tragnew@purdue.edu