By Kathryn Kelman and Jason Shotwell
TCC campuses will host an array of events to celebrate Constitution Day Sept. 18-20.
In honor of the day, TR’s Student Government Association will host a Q&A session with Fort Worth councilman Dennis Shingleton 1-2 p.m. Sept. 19 in the Idea Store.
Shingleton will inform students about national and local politics and the importance of getting involved on and off campus.
“Our presentation with Dennis Shingleton will be one you don’t want to miss,” TR SGA member David Dominguez said. “During the presentation, we will be discussing current events and asking questions to pick the mind of a professional in public service.”
This session aims to let students know what it means to be involved in the community.
“Events going on throughout the world affect students at all levels,” Dominguez said. “It’s important to keep up with what’s going on, so we can prepare ourselves and always know the course of action that needs to be taken.”
Shingleton, a retired Army veteran, has been a city councilman for District 7 since July 2011 and began his Fort Worth public service career in 2000 as a member of the city planning commission. He currently serves as chair of the Lake Worth Regional Coordination Committee and the Tarrant Regional Water District’s Wholesale Advisory Committee.
TR will also host State Rep. Nicole Collier 12:30-1:30 p.m. Sept. 20 in the Idea Store.
Collier, the first African-American woman to represent House District 95 in Tarrant County, will discuss the importance of community engagement and the recent legislative session along with other current events.
NE government associate professor Christopher Douglas will speak to students 9:30-10:50 a.m. Sept. 18 in Center Corner (NSTU 1615A). His presentation is titled “The U.S. Constitution: Ratification, Free Speech and Current Implications.”
Harvard government professor Thomas Patterson will speak to students 11 a.m.-12:20 p.m. Sept. 19 in Center Corner on NE Campus.
“His presentation is part of an extended Constitution Day celebration sponsored by the department of government and paralegal studies,” Jones said.
Patterson’s presentation is titled “The Assault on Truth: What Citizens Know, and What They Only Think They Know,” Jones said.
NE also has a Constitution Day exhibit on display on the library’s lower level. The exhibit is available 7:45 a.m.-9 p.m., now through Sept. 30.
Visitors can view enlarged copies of original documents relating to the signing of the U.S. Constitution, read about the Founding Fathers and view various art and memorabilia from early American history.
A book display accompanies the exhibit. The display highlights materials from the library’s collection, and digital screens showcase portraits of the founders.
A stand-alone Bill of Rights display, provided by the National Archives, is also available for viewing. Visitors can take home a pocket copy of the Constitution and a commemorative button.
South’s Constitution Day: Coming to America event will run 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in SSTU 1114.
During the event, South faculty will discuss issues concerning immigration.
SE Campus will host Constitution Trivia 10-11 a.m. Sept. 18 in ESCT HUB.
Students are encouraged to come play for a free cupcake with a guide to learn more about the Constitution and the importance of celebrating it each year.
For more information, students should contact their campus’ student activities office.
