Constitution Day presentation: "Freedom of Speech: Limitations & Expectations"

Students attended OCTC's will celebration of Constitution Day with a presentation titled "Freedom of Speech: Limitations & Expectations." The presentation and panel discussion featured OCTC faculty member, Nicole Nacey, and Owensboro Human Relations Commission Executive Director, Sylvia Coleman.

On Constitution Day, we recognize the anniversary of the nation's constitution and the efforts and responsibilities of all citizens. In the summer of 1787, delegates convened in Philadelphia to create "a more perfect union" and to craft the country's constitution. They worked to develop a framework that would provide balance and freedom, taking into account national and state interests, as well as individual human rights. The delegates signed the Constitution of the United States on September 17, 1787. By June 21, 1788, the Constitution was ratified, having been approved by nine of the 13 states.

Efforts to recognize citizens and the Constitution began in 1939, when newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst advocated a day to celebrate US Citizenship. In 1940 Congress created "I Am an American Day" to be celebrated on the third Sunday in May. On February 29, 1952, President Harry Truman signed into law "Citizenship Day." It was established to replace "I Am an American Day." On August 2, 1956, Congress requested that the President proclaim the week beginning September 17 and ending September 23 of each year as "Constitution Week." One additional change was made to the event when a federal law enacted in December 2004 designated September 17 as "Constitution Day and Citizenship Day."