Constitution Day Event at UMass: The American Experiment at 250
Photo: umass.edu
Source: UMass News & Media
A retired NASA astronaut and state lawmakers from both sides of the political aisle will come together on campus Thursday, Sept. 17 for a Constitution Day event focused on the state of American democracy as the country marks its 250th anniversary.
“The American Experiment at 250: Where Does Our Democracy Stand?” will be held on the second floor of Old Chapel. The event, presented by the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences’ Democracy Project, will explore constitutional government, political disagreement, civic participation, and the responsibilities of citizenship in a democratic society. The event is free and open to all.
The program will begin at 12:15 p.m. with alumna Cady Coleman ’91 Ph.D., a retired NASA astronaut and U.S. Air Force colonel, who will speak on behalf of Astronauts for America, a nonpartisan, 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization founded by over 100 former NASA astronauts that is dedicated to defending the U.S. Constitution, restoring public trust in democratic institutions and promoting evidence-based, data-driven leadership.
Coleman flew twice on the space shuttle and spent 159 days aboard the International Space Station, where she served as lead robotics and lead science officer. She plans to use images and stories from her time in space to discuss cooperation, trust, responsibility and citizenship.
Her presentation will also include a question-and-answer session at 2 p.m. with students and community members.
At 1 p.m., Democratic state Sen. Jo Comerford and Republican state Rep. Todd Smola will participate in a bipartisan discussion about governing across political differences.
The conversation will examine how elected officials and citizens can work within democratic institutions despite ideological and political disagreements. Topics are expected to include constitutional norms, compromise, political restraint, public trust, free expression, and the responsibilities of citizenship.
The event will conclude with an informal civic-engagement discussion involving students, community members and voter-participation organizations. UMass MASSPIRG, the League of Women Voters, the Amherst town clerk, the Student Government Association, the Graduate Student Government Association and the SBS Democracy Committee will be among the participating groups.
The civic-engagement portion will provide nonpartisan voter information and opportunities for attendees to learn about participating in elections, public affairs, and community life.
Lunch will be provided, and attendees will receive free pocket copies of the U.S. Constitution.
The SBS Democracy Project coordinates and enhances campuswide initiatives related to participation in democratic life, contributing to the common good and navigating the tensions between individual freedom and collective responsibility. It draws on the complementary perspectives of all SBS departments to teach, study, practice and strengthen democracy. More information about the project can be found at umass.edu/sbs-democracy-project.