Constitution Day event to be next week

U.S. Congress members to speak about proposals for 28th Amendment

Park University will celebrate a Constitution Day event from Tuesday, Sept. 16, through Thursday, Sept. 18, with special speakers visiting campus.

Organized by the History, Political Science and Legal Studies departments, two formers U.S. Congress members Jack Buechner and Nick Lampson will host a presentation on the topic, “A More Perfect Constitution: Proposals for a 28th Amendment.”

According to a press release, Constitution Day – or as it is often called Citizenship Day – is federally mandated for higher education institutions which receive federal funding.

“The legislation was enacted in 2004 and implemented by the U.S. Department of Education in 2005. It celebrates the adoption of the U.S. Constitution and those who have become U.S. citizens,” the press release stated.

The main event, which will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept.17, in the McCoy Meetin’ House is free and open to the public.

“This discussion crosses over and touches every program and discipline at Park,” said James Pasley, professor of Political Science and associate dean for the School of Social Science.

Lampson was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1997 and 2008. He also was the chairman of the House Science Subcommittee on Energy and Environment.

Buechner served Missouri’s 2nd District representing St. Louis and St. Charles counties and also served as the vice-chairman of the Republican Study Committee.

He is now the president and chief executive officer of A Presidential Classroom for Young Americans, which prepares high school students to become knowledgeable and committed civic leaders.

Aside from presenting at the event, the former Congress members will also interact with students in some of the classrooms on campus those days.

“Constitution Day provides an opportunity for anyone to meet and interact with two formers lawmakers from both sides of the political aisle and hear directly from them what modifications to the U.S. Constitution might be appropriate,” Pasley said.

Christa Brien, administrative assistant for the Political Science department, urged students to attend.

“This is a unique opportunity,” said Brien.

For more information about the event, please contact Brien at [email protected] or Pasley at [email protected].