TODAY: KIDS HELP OBSERVE CONSTITUTION DAY

Posted on September 6, 2011

Sixth-graders from Benjamin Franklin Elementary in Uniontown, Pa., will share their views on a variety of politically themed topics when the Cal U community observes Constitution Day with “Kids Talk Democracy II,” a panel presentation at 9:30 a.m. Sept. 20 in the Old Main Chapel. 

An annual event mandated at all schools that receive federal funds, Constitution Day commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution. The program is free and open to the public.

The program will begin with welcoming remarks by Cal U President Angelo Armenti, Jr. Then a panel of sixth-grade students will answer a series of questions about democracy, freedom, and their hopes and dreams.

Moderator will be Dr. Holly Diehl, an associate professor in the Department of Early, Middle and Special Education.

Last year, the American Democracy Project interviewed a similar panel of elementary students,  and they became an instant hit when the video aired during the 2010 Election Analysis Forum on campus.

“Listening to the youngsters’ thoughts on government and politics and hearing about their hopes and concerns both reaffirms what is right with the world and lets us know what can be improved,” said Dr. Melanie Blumberg, director for the American Democracy Project at Cal U.

“What struck me most when we piloted the series was their grasp of theoretical concepts, their concern for the global community, and their kindness.”

Organized by the American Democracy Project, the program is co-sponsored by the Office of the President; Academic Affairs/Office of the Provost; the College of Education and Human Services; the College of Liberal Arts; the Department of Early, Middle and Special Education; and the Department of History and Political Science.