That’s right, today is a federal holiday in recognition of the signing of the United States constitution. It was 221 years ago today that 39 men, all delegates to the Philadelphia Convention, signed the constitution into law. It was then ratified by the states, and has since been amended 27 times.
Constitution Day events will take place throughout the nation today. In Long Beach, those interested in learning more about this historic document and its broad influence may attend an evening lecture at CSULB by Professor Craig Smith. Dr. Smith will speak about the foundations of the First Amendment from the ratification of the Constitution to the ratification of the Bill of Rights, from 5:30 to 6:30 pm in the Psychology Building, Room 150. The event is free and open to the public.
Dr. Smith is chair of the department of Film and Electronic Arts and a tenured professor in Communication Studies. He represents nearly 30,000 professors as the Governor’s Faculty Appointee to the CSU Board of Trustees, is founder of the Freedom of Expression Foundation, and director of the Center for First Amendment Studies. Prior to teaching Dr. Smith served as a consultant to CBS News and a speechwriter to Gerald Ford, among other government and business roles.