Union celebrates Constitution Day with guest speaker
JACKSON, Tenn. — Universities across the region are celebrating Constitution Day.
In observance of Constitution Day, educators from the Robertson School of Government program at Regent University visit the Hub City for Union University’s annual Constitution Day lectures in the Carl Grant Event Center. Some of the topics discussed were tolerating religion, the rise and fall of religious liberty in America and the threat of Christian nationalism.
“One of the things I love about Constitution Day is every institution of higher education throughout the united states of America is supposed to celebrate in one way or the other. Some people, some places would celebrate it by tearing down the U.S constitution but I think the document, while not perfect, has done a lot of good for America,” said Mark Hall, Professor at Regent University.
Union wants to get back to the real sources and the intent of the constitution regarding those who wrote it, those who ratified it, and the way it’s played out in American history. They focus on they way the constitution has changed and ways it could be improved.
“I was impressed by the students questions but nothing was actually new. I think one the most insightful questions had to do with the conflict of rights that sometimes people might make a religious liberty claim but other people are making other claims…that they have a right to not be discriminated against on the bases of sexual orientation for instance and I think those are complicated areas and I’m glad the student asked the question,” said Hall.
One student at Union shares her insight on ways the nation is directly impacted by freedoms taken for granted as simple as free will to worship.
“They were talking a little bit about the constitution and why religious liberties are important. You see other countries where that’s a really big issue and people actually, like they don’t even have the freedom to worship. The reality that that could be here if we don’t protect it is so crucial,” said Makayla Madison, Union student.
Questions and responses from the students throughout the lecture pose a lasting impression for everyone to consider.
“This conversation really encouraged me to think outside of my own box and outside of what’s just important to me but consider other people especially that have different beliefs and so I’m so grateful I got to have this experience,” said Madison.
The university sends a friendly reminder for the community to explore their campus for Union’s Family Weekend September 27-28.
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