On September 17, Lindsey R. Swindall, Ph.D, delivered a lecture entitled “A Historical Overview of the Constitution” in the UCC Gallery. Her lecture discussed the historical context of the Constitution paired with the historical significance of prevalent sections.
Since 2015, Professor Swindall has been a Teaching Associate Professor of Writing and Humanities in the School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences. She is an acclaimed scholar in the field of African American studies with notable publications and awards. The event was sponsored by the Provost’s Office for Constitution Day. The Provost’s Office is responsible for all academic departments and was of immense help during this day’s event.
Small printed copies of the Constitution were distributed to the audience, serving as a symbolic gesture and promoter of reflection of the evolution of American rights. At the lecture, Professor Swindall highlighted key constitutional principles such as federalism and the system of checks and balances. She touched on the often-overlooked indigenous influence on the Constitution and U.S. political system, which, according to NativeAmericaToday, “was influenced by the political system developed by the Iroquois Confederacy, as were many of the democratic principles incorporated into the constitution itself.” Through discussion of the Revolutionary era, Professor Swindall was able to draw connections between this and the ideas which found currency at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787.
Following the lecture, on the UCC Patio Professor Swindall held a Constitution Day and Voter Registration Booth. If any students missed the opportunity to register to vote on campus, they are able to register online in New Jersey on the official site of the State of New Jersey.
The Stevens family and the Constitution
John Stevens II and his son, Colonel John, were both supporters of the Patriots during the American Revolution. As a result of their allegiance, Colonel John was able to purchase a significant piece of land that had been confiscated from a Loyalist. This property is now known as Hoboken. Years later, Stevens Institute of Technology was established on the same land that Colonel John Stevens had acquired.
This constitutional lecture is of importance to Stevens as, according to Professor Swindall, “it’s quite possible that Stevens Institute would not exist, especially in this geographical location, were it not for the position on the Revolution taken by the Stevens family and their participation therein.” As future leaders and innovators of the technical and business world, Stevens students must understand the inner workings of the Constitution.
Americans across the country observe Constitution Day by commemorating the signing of the Constitution on September 17, 1787. This is a day of remembrance to the document that has served as the foundation of the American government for over 200 years. Constitution Day fosters national unity by educating citizens about the shared principles of freedom and equality that define this nation. This year marks the 237th anniversary of this pivotal moment in history.
Constitution Day was officially established in 2004 when Senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia introduced an amendment to rename Citizenship Day as Constitution Day. This alteration broadened the day’s focus to include both the celebration of U.S. citizens and the honoring of the Constitution and American history. The amendment ensures the significance of citizenship and the importance of the Constitution are equally emphasized in the observance.
This amendment mandated that all educational institutions that receive federal funds must provide educational programs about the U.S. Constitution come September 17. This was designed to ensure students are informed about the principles and role of the Constitution. Stevens is one of 4,000 higher education institutions in the United States to participate in this requirement. Being a federally funded institution, Stevens has lectures, discussion, and educational materials about the Constitution’s amendments and history offered on campus. Through these educational efforts, students and citizens are reminded of the values that continue to shape American society. Constitution Day serves as an opportunity for all citizens to reflect on the enduring importance of reminding U.S. history and acknowledging this nation’s growth.
