News Releases

New Rochelle, NY – On Monday, September 17, Iona College will celebrate Constitution Day with a teach-in, student debate, film screening, and more. Established as an American federal holiday in 2004, Constitution Day recognizes the ratification of the United States Constitution in 1787. This year marks the 220th anniversary of the document’s signing.

Events throughout the day are designed to encourage reflection and discussion about this critical document United States history. A teach-in led by faculty members will address topics including “Do We Really Need a Bill of Rights?” “The Constitution and the Civil Rights Movement,” and “The First Amendment: Thriving or Threatened?” In addition, a student debate between the Iona Democrats and the Iona Republicans will be held at noon. Constitution Day events will conclude with a screening of the film Mississippi Burning.

“We have the longest running written Constitution in the world. It helps define who we are as a people, our system of government, our rights and liberties—all the things that are central to our national identity and the continuation of our way of life,” said Jeanne Zaino, PhD, chair of the Political Science department. “It is worth remembering, however, that the Constitution is not indestructible, and we hope the day’s events will serve as a reminder that the Constitution and the nation founded under it should not be taken for granted.”

This event is sponsored by the Office of the Dean (Arts and Science), the Department of Political Science and International Studies, and the Office of Student Development. For a complete schedule of Constitution Day events, click here.

Founded in 1940 by the Congregation of Christian Brothers, Iona College is a private, coeducational institution of learning in the tradition of American Catholic higher education. Iona, currently listed in the US News and World Report's annual " America's Best Colleges 2008" and The Princeton Review's Best Northeastern Colleges 2008 edition, offers undergraduate degrees in liberal arts, science, and business administration, as well as master of arts, master of science and master of business administration degrees and numerous post-graduate certificate programs.

(-30-)

For questions or more information please contact:
Cecilia Donohoe
Public Relations Office
Iona College, 715 North Avenue, New Rochelle, N.Y. 10801
tel: (914) 633-2005 fax: (914) 637-2711
cdonohoe@iona.edu

Back to Top