AU reads the US Constitution for Constitution Day
By Rakiyah Lenon | Co-editor in chief
Augusta University held an event marking the 234th year since the signing of the United States Constitution Friday afternoon in the Jaguar Student Activities Center Ballroom. The location was changed from the amphitheater due to weather concerns.
Participants including students, faculty, AU campus police and members of the League of Women Voters in the CSRA each read sections from the US Constitution.
Dr. Martha Ginn, professor of political science, led the reading with the Preamble. Ginn mentioned that students should take their time to inform themselves about what is written in the document.
“They need to read it for themselves and understand it to educate themselves on their rights,” she said.
Ginn explained that an open discussion surrounding the Constitution has occurred in recent times, but can be misinterpreted.
“There are a lot of misconceptions concerning the Constitution. It’s great when people want to talk about the Constitution, but it’s so crushing when they talk about it in the wrong way,” she said. “Having this day to highlight it is really significant.”
David Kearns, senior assistant of the Reese Library and organizer for the event guided the gathering of volunteers who read.
“I’m very pleased that the volunteers who have signed up to read have come from all various collections of majors and professions,” he said. “We’re very pleased with the turnout.”
After the reading, students visited the various tables to inquire about student publications, voter registration with the League of Women Voters of the CSRA and AU campus police. Students enjoyed ice cream floats and took copies of the Constitution.
Marion Brown, president of the League of Women Voters in the CSRA, spoke with students after the reading about voting and the Constitution.
“We’ve enjoyed the partnership,” she said. “I am in awe of the Founding Fathers and their wisdom to create the document.”
Contact Rakiyah Lenon at RLENON@augusta.edu
After the Constitution reading, people met with the League of Women Voters in the CSRA to learn about local elections. (photos by Rakiyah Lenon)
