Constitution Day

Celebrate Constitution Day September 17, 2009

Background

Senator Robert C. Byrd, a West Virginia Democrat and the United States Congress' unofficial constitutional scholar, believes that the American primary, secondary, and post-secondary students lack significant knowledge regarding the United States Constitution. In December 2004, Senator Byrd offered an amendment that was passed by both the United States House of Representatives and the Unites States Senate in an attempt to increase students' knowledge about the constitution.

The legislation requires that all educational institutions that receive federal funds implement educational programs relating to the United States Constitution on September 17 of each year. September 17th was selected as the date for the celebration due to the fact that on September 17, 1787 the delegates to the Constitutional Convention met for the last time to sign the United States Constitution and present it to the American Public. Click here to visit the official Constitution Day website.

On-Campus Events

The main events for Constitution Day are have historically been held in the J. Edgar & Louise S. Monroe Library. We've invited the Loyola community to view a display of materials related to the Constitution located at the front of the Monroe Library in the new book area. In addition, the library has an electronic list of materials related to the Constitution.

NEW FOR 2009: Look for fun and interesting facts about the Constitution to be displayed on the television sets in the Danna Center on Constitution Day. You can also view these presentation online (powerpoint presentation  /pdf file ).

Also, free Consitution Day bookmarks  are available in the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid and on the bulletin board in Bobet Hall.  Keep an eye out for a forum organized by Dr. Roger White and the Society for Civic Engagement

Voter Registration Information

We encourage all students to register to vote. As a Catholic and Jesuit institution, Loyola is committed the cause of social justice.  We encourage our students to participate in the electoral process as it is critical in living a life as "men and women for others" who are aware of  the needs of under privileged and marginalized populations. Read more about why voting matters.

Updated September 17, 2009