Posted on Sep 14, 2005 Campus marks Constitution Day

How often do university students, grade-school children, federal office workers and CIA agents all receive a lesson on the same topic?

Not often, but that's what is going to happen later this month.

The lesson will cover the U.S. Constitution, courtesy of a new law sponsored by Sen. Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.). An appropriations bill approved by Congress last year contained a requirement that every school or university that receives federal money present a program on the Constitution. The law also requires that each of the nearly two million federal workers receive educational materials about the charter on Constitution Day, a day celebrating the Sept. 17, 1787, signing.

If the day falls on a weekend, as it does this year, schools can celebrate it the week before or the week after.

CSUMB will implement the law on Sept. 19 with a panel discussion about the relationship between the Constitution and the confirmation process of a Supreme Court justice.

Former Congressman Leon Panetta will moderate the discussion. Participants include Congressman Sam Farr, Assemblyman Simon Salinas, local attorney and civil liberties activist Michelle Welsh and Judge Marla Anderson.

The event will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the University Center and is open to the public.

According to published reports, Sen. Byrd was motivated to introduce the law by surveys showing that many Americans have a better understanding of the intricacies of "American Idol" than they do about the foundations of their government.