Constitution Day Events Planned in Springfield

The Center for State Policy and Leadership will host a series of Constitution Day events in Springfield Sept. 16–17. The programs are free and open to the public, though registration is required.

A community panel discussion titled “Raising Politically Engaged Kids” will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 16 at Lanphier High School. The event is co-hosted with Springfield Public Schools District 186 and moderated by NPR Illinois. Panelists include Lindsey Cormack, author of “How to Raise a Citizen,” Illinois State Sen. Doris Turner, and Springfield Alderman Shawn Gregory. Heavy appetizers will be served, and free signed copies of Cormack’s book will be available.

The second event will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 17 at the Student Union. Co rmack will discuss the importance of voter engagement and how Constitutional principles apply to current issues. Units from the Center for State Policy and Leadership will also present their work, including the Illinois Innocence Project and student-led policy initiatives. Lunch will be provided.

That evening, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., the Student Union will host “The First Amendment Under Stress: Constitution Day Panel.” Moderated by Sean Crawford of NPR Illinois, the discussion will examine press freedom and the evolving role of media in society. Panelists include Tim Franklin of the Medill School of Journalism and Don Craven of the Illinois Press Association.