A lecture about covering the necessity of the Constitution was given by political science Professor Steven Lichtman in the Grove Forum on Wednesday, Sept. 17.

The First Amendment covers a large area regarding free speech and the right to practice one’s own religion. The First Amendment states: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or the press…”  

The letter of the law and understanding its impact and importance is a layered topic and concept.

Lichtman referred to former Sen. Robert Byrd (D-WV) on how any institution of higher learning must provide learning about the Constitution, yet Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech. 

These two points are at odds, but that is why providing discussion and clarity on the functions of the Constitution and, why the founding fathers worked diligently to create the document is critical.

Lichtman told of how the “old world” in Europe thought they could use religion for political stability. The government would have a monopoly on a religion of their choice, but it did not work according to plan, as many dissidents refused, caused violence and created the instability they tried to prevent.

Thus, to create a system formed closer to equal rights, the free exercise clause and free establishment clause were created regarding religion. Religious belief is allowed, but the government cannot ordain a religion. 

Lichtman spoke from the heart about his great grandfather Mr. Bender and grandfather Harry Bender. They fled Germany as SS soldiers began to capture Jewish citizens.

As Lichtman put it, a “brave priest tipped them off and saved them” by telling Mr. Bender they must leave immediately, risking his life if anyone told of his heroic act.

After a long and dangerous journey, the Benders took the Cunard R.M.S Berengaria to the U.S. and started a new life in New York. As Henry Bender grew up and lived a happy life, every week he would send a box of supplies to the priest who saved them, as he never wanted to stop paying back the kindness he recieved. 

Lichtman said the actions of the priest on that day exemplified the “American” spirit in which the Constitution is meant to protect and embody. He was willing to risk everything for the Benders because it was the right thing to do, to help his friends as best he could.

It is that courage and a drive for equality and freedom that is protected by documents like the Constitution so everyone in the U.S. can be their true selves and practice their beliefs without fear of persecution.

The Constitution needs to be remembered in the spirit of which it was created. The importance of the document must be acknowledged and respected for future generations so that they may share these freedoms and not allow the destabilization of human rights.

Lichtman emphasized how if people abandon restraint, it will allow the Constitution to be diminished for personal gain of power and all would be lost.

Each Constitution Day, students should take time to consider the importance of the foundational documents that helped create the U.S., as well as the responsibility to acknowledge and grow from the stories of the past.

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