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Constitution Week

2023

Sunday, September 17 - Friday, September 22

Are You Registered to Vote?

Wednesday, September 20, 11:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M., Student Union Plaza

Join the Campus Vote Project interns, Ospreys Community Ambassadors, and the League of Women Voters at Market Days to learn more about voter registration processes, how to check your voter registration status, and how to join the UNF civic engagement platform, Osprey Vote.

Representatives will also be handing out pocket Constitutions to everyone who stops by the table.

The Constitution on Campus: A Conversation on Free Speech and Affirmative Action

Wednesday, September 20, 7:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M., John A. Delaney Student Union (Building 58 West), Room 2704

Hosted by the Office of Public Policy Events, listen and join in as invited speakers from the university community explore and debate current issues in American law and politics surrounding free speech and affirmative action.

Invited Speakers:

  • James Fahey, assistant professor, Department of Political Science and Public Administration
  • Sean Freeder, assistant professor, Department of Political Science and Public Administration
  • Adrienne Lerner, associate instructor, Department of Political Science and Public Administration; director, Pre-Law program; faculty fellow for Intellectual Diversity and Academic Freedom
  • Seth Warner, assistant professor, Department of Political Science and Public Administration

For more information about the Office of Public Policy Events, https://www.unf.edu/public-policy/events.html

Follow @unfospreys4change on Instagram for trivia and facts throughout the week. More information on Civic Engagement at UNF can be found on the Ospreys Vote webpage: https://www.unf.edu/community-engagement/Ospreys-Vote.html.
  • 2022

    UNF Constitution Week Essay Contest – Win a $100 Scholarship

    Deadline – Thursday, September 15 at Midnight

    Respond to this question: Americans (and their Constitution) often assert values such as liberty and equality, morality and democracy, social justice, and the will of the people. Yet sometimes these values do not perfectly align, and in some cases may even conflict; to attain one may require sidelining, undermining, or even sacrificing another. Which such value is most foundational for others in order to attain a healthy constitutional system of government? Why so?

    Constitution Week Essay Contest Entry

    Please submit your essay no later than midnight on Thursday, September 15, 2022. Essays should be approximately 500 words, typed in a 12-point font and double-spaced. The contest is open to undergraduates. The winner will be announced at the Popcorn and Politics event on Tuesday, September 20, 2022.

    Scholarship sponsored by Undergraduate Studies.

    Popcorn and Politics

    Tuesday, September 20, 7:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M., Thomas G. Carpenter Library Room 2102A

    Dr. Sean Freeder, Prof. Adrienne Lerner, and Special Guest

    The political science and public law faculty provide important information about the candidates and ballot questions for the upcoming midterm elections.

    Register to Vote!

    Wednesday, September 21, 11:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M., Student Union Plaza

    Join the Campus Vote Project and Civic Influencer interns, We the People!, and the League of Women Voters who will assist students with registering to vote.

    Follow @unfospreys4change on Instagram for trivia and facts throughout the week. Pocket Constitutions will be handed out at all events. More information on Civic Engagement at UNF can be found on the Ospreys Vote webpage: https://www.unf.edu/community-engagement/Ospreys-Vote.html.

  • 2021

    Wednesday, September 15, Midnight Deadline

    UNF Constitution Week Essay Contest - Win a $100 Scholarship!

    Respond to this question: The Constitution provides a framework for voters to elect their leaders, but what should guide these leaders' decisions: their personal consciences, the will of their constituents, or what James Madison called "a spirit of compromise" in order to solve the nation's problems? In short, which is most vital for a good government: conscience, constituents, or compromise?

    Constitution Week Essay Contest Entry

    Please submit your essay no later than midnight on September 15, 2021. Essays should be approximately 500 words, typed in a 12-point font and double-spaced. The contest is open to undergraduates. The winner will be announced at the Popcorn and Politics event on Monday, September 20 at 7:00 P.M.

    Scholarship sponsored by Undergraduate Studies.

    Monday, September 20, 6:00P.M. on Instagram

    Monday Night Virtual Trivia with Osprey Life and Productions

    Join representatives from We the People..., CEEP, CVP, FL-PIRG, & OCAs, as they "take over" OLPs Monday Night Trivia with a US Constitution theme. To participate, make sure you follow @unfccbl and @unfolp on Instagram

    Monday, September 20, 7:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. @ Thomas G. Carpenter Library, Room 2102A

    Popcorn and Politics: We've Got Your Number
    Hot Takes on the Most Underrated Constitutional Amendments

    Dr. Sean Freeder, Prof. Adrienne Lerner, and Prof. Jimmy Midyette

    The political science and public law faculty make their case for the underrated, neglected, and underappreciated amendments that most impact our politics and lives. The audience vote determines the winning amendment!

    Tuesday, September 21, TBA

    Register to Vote!

    Join the Campus Vote Project and Campus Election Engagement Project interns who will assist students with registering to vote.

    More information can be found by following #ospreyvoice on Instagram.

    Wednesday, September 22, 11:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. @ John A. Delaney Student Union Plaza

    Get Your Pocket Constitution!

    Stop by the CCBL table on Market Day and pick up your very own pocket Constitution.

  • 2020

    Essay Contest

    Win a $100 Scholarship!

    Respond to the question: Where do we draw the lines of civil disobedience between public safety and personal rights? Between "law and order" and the "right to resist" in what ways do people have an obligation to civilly disobey what they see as an unjust system?

    Use the link to submit your essay by midnight, September 10:

    https://unf.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5jzIDFNTDmVz5sx 

    Essays should be approximately 500 words, typed in a 12-point font, and double-spaced. The contest is open to undergraduates. The winner was announced on September 17, 6:30 pm, at "100 Years of the 19th Amendment."

    Scholarship sponsored by Undergraduate Studies.

    Swoop into Vote: Join the UNF Voting Squad

    The UNF African American Faculty and Staff Association (AAFSA) and the UNF Student Government present #SwoopintoVote, a social media campaign to reinforce the importance of voting and promote voter participation. Every member of the Osprey community is encouraged to #SwoopintoVote.

    • Register to Vote
    • Decide How: By mail, Early, or on Election Day
    • Research Candidates and Campaign Topics
    • Know Important Dates
    • Swoop into Vote
    • Make a Difference
    • Your Voting Selfie really does make a difference. #SwoopintoVote

    Monday, September 14, 2020

    Popcorn & Politics: The Pandemic Election

    6:30 pm-7:30 pm

    https://unf.zoom.us/j/96540129743?pwd=R2RXZ3EzY1drUkNvSkc4emM0N3RXUT09

    Meeting ID: 965 4012 9743

    Passcode: 196808

    The pandemic changes everything/nothing! From the ballot box to the courts, Dr. Sean Freeder (UNF Political Science) and Prof. Adrienne Lerner (Pre-Law) discuss polarization, voter behavior, voter access, and media coverage in the 2020 election cycle.

    Tuesday, September 15, 2020

    Virtual Voter Registration, hosted by Florida PIRG

    5:00 pm -8:00 pm

    Zoom: https://publicinterestnetwork-org.zoom.us/j/91200439905?pwd=dGNzK2lNSTB5b3RUTE9ZcFZ1OFpnZz09

    Need to update your voter registration? First time registering? Want to find out where you can vote or how to request vote-by-mail? Check out studentvote.org! The Student PIRGs have used this powerful, easy and secure tool since 2008 to help register thousands of students to vote!

    Have questions or need help? Come on in! Florida PIRG Students volunteers will be here to help if you have any questions!

    Thursday, September 17, 2020

    100 Years of the 19th Amendment

    6:30 pm-7:30 pm

    Instagram Live, @unfsg and @unfccbl

    Join us for a discussion of how the 19th Amendment failed women of color, featuring Rhonda Craig, President of the Detroit Chapter of the League of Women Voters.

    Essay contest winners announced at this event!

    Co-hosted on Instagram Live by Student Government and the Center for Community Based Learning.

  • 2019

    UNF Constitution Week 2019

    September 16 - 20, 2019

    Constitutional resources will be on display at the Thomas G. Carpenter Library all week.

    Monday, September 16, 2019

    Trivia night with a Constitution theme, Boathouse, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

    Come have fun and test your Constitution knowledge.

    Popcorn & Politics
    Carpenter Library, Current Events Area, First Floor, 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

    "Speech and Counter-Speech on Campus" - What does constitutional law say about the rights of speakers, challengers, protestors, and hecklers in a college campus environment? A conversation about recent developments in Florida and beyond.

    Panel: Jimmy Midyette, Staff Attorney at ACLU of Florida / Adrienne Lerner, Instructor of Political Science at UNF

    Tuesday, September 17, 2019

    Coffee & Conversation: Faith and Free Speech on Campus, Interfaith Center Lounge, Building 2, Suite 1400, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

    The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution says that everyone in the United States has the right to practice his or her own religion, or no religion at all. How does this reflect on our college campuses? And what is your perspective on the intersection of faith and free speech? Join the Interfaith Center in discussing this topic. Tea, coffee, and sweets are provided!

    The National Popular Vote, Building 9, Room 1421, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

    "Making every vote count- Making every vote equal"- Join the League of Women Voters to learn about the National Popular Vote movement and how you can be a part of adding Florida to the list of 15 states and the District of Columbia that have already passed the necessary legislation.

    Wednesday, September 18, 2019

    Market Days with the Pre-Law Program, John A. Delaney Student Union, Osprey Plaza, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

    Enjoy snacks and pick up a free pocket-sized copy of the Constitution.

  • 2018

    UNF Constitution Week 2018

    September 17 - 21, 2018

    Constitutional resources were on display at the Thomas G. Carpenter Library all week. Pocket Constitutions were handed out to first visitors at events.

    A Constitution Day essay contest was held. The winner received a $100 scholarship.

    Monday, September 17, 2018

    Trivia night at the Boathouse with a Constitution theme

    Students tested their Constitution knowledge.

    The event took place from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

    Tuesday, September 18, 2018

    Civil Liberties in the November Election

    Samir Gupte, a local American Civil Liberties Union representative, unpacked the myriad of initiatives that were on the November ballot that had the potential to impact civil liberties.

    The event took place in building 9, room 1421 from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

    Wednesday, September 19, 2018

    Register to vote at the Market Days voter registration drive sponsored by Student Government.

    The event took place in the John A. Delaney Student Union Osprey Plaza from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

    "Answering the Call: The American Struggle for the Right to Vote"

    Osprey Productions and the Thomas G. Carpenter Library presented a voting rights documentary film by Brian Jenkins. Refreshments were provided, courtesy of the library. A discussion moderated by Dr. Albert Dorsey followed the 7:00 p.m. showing.

    The event took place in the John A. Delaney Student Union Auditorium (building 58W, room 2704) at 7:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

    Thursday, September 20, 2018

    Civic Engagement: Putting the 'd' Back into Democracy

    Samir Gupte held a round table discussion featuring questions such as, how do you develop and articulate your position? How do you find out who can influence your desired change and then influence them to make it happen?

    The event took place in the Writing Center (building 4, room 2501) from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

    Florida Amendment 4

    The Southern Poverty Law Center reviewed the history, impact, and discussed Florida Amendment 4, restoring voting rights to felons.

    The event took place in the Student Government Courtroom (building 58E, room 3300) from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

    Friday, September 21, 2018

    3 C's: Coffee, Cookies, and the Constitution

    Students concluded Constitution Week by enjoying coffee and cookies as they received a free pocket-sized copy of the Constitution. Sponsored by the Department of Diversity Initiatives.

    The event took place outside building 2, near Peace Plaza from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

  • 2017

    UNF Constitution Week 2017

    September 12 - 21, 2017

    Constitutional resources were on display at the library all week. Pocket Constitutions were handed out to first visitors at events.

    Tuesday, September 12, 2017

    Popcorn and Politics: A Civil Environment to Discuss Current Political Issues

    U.S. Federal Judge Timothy Corrigan and Dr. Matthew Corrgian talked about the Constitution and the First Amendment.

    The event was held at the Thomas G. Carpenter Library, 1st floor from 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.

    Monday, September 18, 2017

    Monuments and Public Memory: Past and Present Controversies Around Confederate Statues

    This event included a roundtable with student activities. Featuring Brandi Denison, Rosa DeJorio, Bill Delaney, and Keith Cartwright with Linda Howell as moderator.

    The event took place in the Writing Center, building 4, room 2501, from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

    Wednesday, September 20, 2017

    Market Days with the Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Society

    Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Society members shared best practices when it comes to contacting your local, state, and federal representatives.

    This event took place in the Student Union Osprey Plaza from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

    Decoding Texts: How the Constitution is interpreted like religious texts

    Discussions with Julie Ingersoll, Professor of Philosophy and Religious Studies.

    The event took place at the Thomas G. Carpenter Library, Special Collections Reading Room from 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

    Thursday, September 21, 2017

    Trademarks and Free Speech: Redskins, Slants and Fuct

    Dr. Amanda Reid, Associate Professor of Law at Florida Coastal School of Law and Dr. Adrienne Lerner, UNF Director of the pre-law program discussed the First Amendment and how it relates to trademarks.

    This event took place from 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.

  • 2016

    UNF Constitution Week 2016

    September 12 - 15, 2016

    Constitutional resources were on display at the library all week.

    Wednesday, September 14, 2016

    Free Pocket Constitutions were handed out at Market Day in the Student Union Osprey Plaza from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

    Thursday, September 15, 2016

    Courageous Conversations: Racism and Reality

    Courageous Conversations is a collaborative speaker series that examines current events and policies in our nation that directly impact our community. This specific event examined racism and reality. Facilitators guided students, educators, employees, community leaders and citizens through civil discussion to address current issues on race and the media. Included in this was a discussion of the evolution of technology as it affects racial matters. Small group discussions followed focusing on ways the media can improve its portrayal of people of color in our community and across the nation. A reception followed, sponsored by the Taylor Leadership Institute. Discussion facilitated by Dr. Roy Kaplan, former executive director of the National Conference of Christians and Jews and Dr. Navita Cummings James, Associate Professor of Communications, USF.

    The event was held in the Student Union Auditorium 58E, 2704 from 2 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

    Explore the American Identity: "What Should it Mean... to be an American?"

    The Office of Undergraduate Studies screened the documentary film by Ken Hurley. This film interviews Americans from all 50 states to ask them what being American means to them. The documentary explores our American challenges, problems, hopes, dreams, and aspirations. The discussion was moderated by Dr. Parvez Ahmed.

    The event was held in the Student Government Senate Chambers, 58E at 6 p.m.