Shippensburg University held its annual celebration of Constitution Day on Sept. 17.
The day kicked off with SU President Laurie Carter and students of Grace B. Luhrs University Elementary School reading the Preamble outside the Ezra Lehman Memorial Library.
In the evening, students were invited to the Grove Forum for the keynote address, “Is Nothing Safe from Polarization? Changing Views of the Separation of Powers,” by Douglas Harris, a professor of political science at Loyola University Maryland.
Before Harris began his lecture, SU political science professor Steven Lichtman, joked with the nearly-full room of students, staff and faculty, citing the irony of the reason why they were gathered.
He explained that in 2004, West Virginia Sen. Robert Byrd sponsored legislation which required that any school receiving federal funding should offer educational programming about the Constitution on Sept. 17.
“We are required to speak about a document that famously has a free speech clause,” Lichtman said.
After an introduction from Lichtman, Harris took to the podium, focusing his lecture on his observations of American constitutionalism, the decline in the trust of government and situational constitutionalism.
He explained that today’s climate in Washington is related to situational constitutionalism. He cited how Democrats will praise a Democrat president for using executive orders, but will say a Republican president who is using the power is issuing too many.
“Failure of constitutional consistency has plagued the left and the right,” Harris said.
He said both parties use the constitution to fit the moment in which they find themselves.
Harris added the strategic element of politics of distrust, is only distrust the elements of government your party does not control.
Harris explained that party lines affect how strictly members follow and interpret the Constitution in today’s political climate.
He quoted Rufus Miles, a former government official:
“Where you stand on separation of powers questions depends on where you sit,” furthering his observation of the current government.
Harris encouraged the audience to develop their own constitutional values, principles and interpretations not based on the politics of the moment. He also stressed the importance of reading and knowing the rights the document holds.
“Would you like to be judged in 10-20 years by how firmly you stuck to them [the principle]? Harris asked. “Even when it works to the benefit of your political opponents? And to the detriment of your allies in the short term?”
He closed with some words of advice to the audience on how to overcome the problems of today’s society.
“Read the Constitution…Read it again and read it frequently,” he said.
The Slate welcomes thoughtful discussion on all of our stories, but please keep comments civil and on-topic. Read our full guidelines here.